PFAS chemicals

WBUR's ongoing coverage of so-called "forever chemicals" known as PFAS.

A truck drives past a welcome sign to Joint Base Cape Cod, Sept. 22, 2014, in Sandwich, Mass. (Steven Senne/AP)

Study: Toxic contamination at Joint Base Cape Cod could persist for centuries

Toxic PFAS chemicals from a fire training site at Joint Base Cape Cod are still leaching into groundwater decades after training took place, according to a new study from Harvard...

Mass. firefighters and their families are on the front lines of a battle with 'forever chemicals'

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are found in the protective gear firefighters wear. Some members of the firefighting community are raising concerns about the health risks of PFAS, and...

Our sewage often becomes fertilizer. Problem is, it's tainted with PFAS

About half the wastewater sludge in the United States is turned into fertilizer. Some want to ban the practice because the sludge contains PFAS and can contaminate food crops. Others...

Firefighter union sues Mass. group over toxic chemicals in protective gear

The International Association of Fire Fighters is suing the Quincy-based group that sets national standards for firefighters' protective gear, saying it colluded with industry and set guidelines that resulted in...

Health

Mar 16, 2023

A woman holding a toothbrush. (Kathrin Ziegler/Getty Images)

EPA proposes regulations on 6 toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

The regulations would limit the two most common PFAS chemicals — PFOA and PFOS — to four parts per trillion; and also limit any mixture containing one or more of...

Environment

Mar 14, 2023

Walden Pond beach in Concord, Mass in 2019. (John Greim/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

In 13 state parks, Mass. officials issue advisories for fish consumption due to PFAS

The recommendations vary based on the body of water, the type of fish and the person eating it. The ponds, lakes and reservoirs with new warnings include Walden Pond in...

Health

Mar 7, 2023

Tracing the path of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ inside the body

PFAS have been linked to a long and growing list of health concerns. Scientists are beginning to better understand how these chemicals affect so many different organs and systems in...

Health

05:41Feb 16, 2023

Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski points out on a map the origin of the PFAS contamination at the old fire station across the street from town offices. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Private well owners stuck with costs to treat 'forever chemicals'

There are no state or federal regulations regarding private wells and the chemicals known as PFAS. This gap creates inequities for the 600,000 Massachusetts residents who get drinking water from...

Environment

05:21Feb 15, 2023

Littleton Electric Light and Water Department workers inside a new water treatment facility that will remove PFAS chemical compounds from the water supply. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Toxic 'forever chemicals' force Mass. towns to face 'true cost of water'

Massachusetts' limit on PFAS in drinking water is one of the strictest in the country. Removing the chemicals from drinking water can cost millions, and so far, communities have footed...

Environment

04:52Feb 14, 2023

PFAS expert tips: How to reduce your exposure to harmful ‘forever chemicals’

PFAS chemicals are in our water, in our food, in our air and on our skin. And they are linked to a long and growing list of medical concerns. WBUR...

Health

05:06Feb 13, 2023

Organic compost is the likely culprit of PFAS contamination in a rural Massachusetts town

The Environmental Protection Agency recently issued a new warning that no level of PFAS in water is safe.

Here & Now

10:56Aug 8, 2022

The Environmental Protection Agency now says there's no safe amount of PFAS in drinking water. (Jim Cole/AP)

Report recommends blood tests, medical monitoring for people exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals

The report says there is sufficient evidence of association between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer in adults, as well as decreased immune response in adults and children. The toxins have...

Environment

Jul 28, 2022

North Carolina grapples with PFAS contamination as EPA stresses dangers

PFAS is a substance used on non-stick pans and fire retardants.

Here & Now

08:59Jun 29, 2022

The water level was low at the Cambridge Reservoir in Lincoln on July 26. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

'Forever chemicals' widespread in Mass. surface and ground water, says new report

A new analysis of Massachusetts public water systems by the Sierra Club finds that 70% of communities have detectable levels of the six most dangerous PFAS chemicals in their ground...

Local Coverage

Oct 29, 2021

A person holds a toothbrush under running water from the faucet.

What are PFAS chemicals, and should I be freaking out about them?

There are thousands of chemicals in the PFAS family. Here are answers to some common questions about them.

Local Coverage

Nov 8, 2019

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PFAS chemicals

Study: Toxic contamination at Joint Base Cape Cod could persist for centuries

Environment

Mass. firefighters and their families are on the front lines of a battle with 'forever chemicals'

Health

Our sewage often becomes fertilizer. Problem is, it's tainted with PFAS

Environment

Firefighter union sues Mass. group over toxic chemicals in protective gear

Health

EPA proposes regulations on 6 toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

Environment

In 13 state parks, Mass. officials issue advisories for fish consumption due to PFAS

Health

Tracing the path of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ inside the body

Health

Private well owners stuck with costs to treat 'forever chemicals'

Environment

Toxic 'forever chemicals' force Mass. towns to face 'true cost of water'

Environment

PFAS expert tips: How to reduce your exposure to harmful ‘forever chemicals’

Health

Organic compost is the likely culprit of PFAS contamination in a rural Massachusetts town

Here & Now

Report recommends blood tests, medical monitoring for people exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals

Environment

North Carolina grapples with PFAS contamination as EPA stresses dangers

Here & Now

'Forever chemicals' widespread in Mass. surface and ground water, says new report

Local Coverage

What are PFAS chemicals, and should I be freaking out about them?

Local Coverage

Sections

Radio

Podcasts

CitySpace

Support

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PFAS chemicals

Study: Toxic contamination at Joint Base Cape Cod could persist for centuries

Mass. firefighters and their families are on the front lines of a battle with 'forever chemicals'

Our sewage often becomes fertilizer. Problem is, it's tainted with PFAS

Firefighter union sues Mass. group over toxic chemicals in protective gear

EPA proposes regulations on 6 toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

In 13 state parks, Mass. officials issue advisories for fish consumption due to PFAS

Tracing the path of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ inside the body

Private well owners stuck with costs to treat 'forever chemicals'

Toxic 'forever chemicals' force Mass. towns to face 'true cost of water'

PFAS expert tips: How to reduce your exposure to harmful ‘forever chemicals’

Organic compost is the likely culprit of PFAS contamination in a rural Massachusetts town

Report recommends blood tests, medical monitoring for people exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals

North Carolina grapples with PFAS contamination as EPA stresses dangers

'Forever chemicals' widespread in Mass. surface and ground water, says new report

What are PFAS chemicals, and should I be freaking out about them?