Press launch
June 7, 2022
Contact data
The web site reveals the outcomes of state checks on public water techniques; the newest information reveals that almost all techniques would not have PFAS at or above ranges of concern
Minnesotans who get their ingesting water from a group public water system will now have the ability to discover out if their system’s water has any ranges of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) via an interactive on-line dashboard launched right now by the Division. of Minnesota Well being. (MDH).
In response to state check outcomes mirrored within the new dashboard, the overwhelming majority of the state’s group water techniques don’t have any PFAS detections or have ranges which are beneath present state ranges of well being concern. . Well being officers say the statewide testing and dashboard will present an data base to assist communities handle any adjustments in PFAS incidence or understanding of well being dangers sooner or later.
MDH started a challenge in 2021 to check for PFAS in group water techniques throughout the state. The dashboard represents the present standing of that challenge. Testing and monitoring will proceed via 2022. Minnesota joins different states, reminiscent of Michigan, Ohio and Illinois, which have examined ingesting water statewide for PFAS. The MDH is prioritizing sampling in techniques which are most susceptible to PFAS contamination to deal with the very best potential public well being dangers first.
“With this new software, Minnesotans will have the ability to see for themselves if PFAS is a well being concern for his or her communities and their households,” stated Minnesota Well being Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “Our statewide testing and dashboard are simply two examples of how Minnesota continues to be a nationwide chief in offering protected ingesting water.”
PFAS are extraordinarily secure and don’t break down within the atmosphere. Greater ranges of PFAS publicity are related to a variety of human well being results. These embrace greater ldl cholesterol, adjustments in liver operate, decreased immune response, thyroid illness, and, within the case of PFOA, elevated threat of kidney and testicular most cancers.
“MDH conducts sturdy testing to ensure ingesting water meets state PFAS steering,” stated Sandeep Burman, supervisor of MDH’s Ingesting Water Safety Part. “PFAS is a subject of rising nationwide concern, and Minnesota has taken a proactive method to addressing PFAS in our communities and our surroundings. PFAS science and requirements will undoubtedly proceed to evolve on the federal and state ranges, and as we be taught extra, we are going to replace PFAS steering and work with techniques to ensure ingesting water stays protected. The dashboard will assist us and our group companions handle PFAS in ingesting water now and sooner or later.”
The statewide testing effort has accomplished the 401 analysis of roughly 900 public techniques within the state, and the 401 techniques evaluated serve roughly 75% of Minnesotans who acquire ingesting water from these techniques. Practically two-thirds of the techniques examined to date had PFAS current at some stage, however the overwhelming majority had PFAS at ranges beneath the present Minnesota Well being-Primarily based Guideline Values in ingesting water. Of these techniques which have accomplished testing, just one at the moment exceeds the MDH steering values. Of these nonetheless present process follow-up testing, about 1% are anticipated to have PFAS ranges above present state well being steering values. Neighborhood water techniques with elevated PFAS ranges above health-based steering ranges can take steps to cut back PFAS ranges, reminiscent of treating or decreasing pumping from contaminated wells.
“Some PFAS are generally discovered at low ranges in ingesting water, however it’s uncommon to seek out elevated ranges of PFAS in ingesting water exterior of communities with recognized websites of contamination,” stated MDH Environmental Analysis Scientist Jane de Lambert.
PFAS are a household of synthetic chemical compounds which have been used for many years to make merchandise that resist warmth, oil, stains, grease, and water. Since 2002, MDH has partnered with the Minnesota Air pollution Management Company to research PFAS in Minnesota. This work started with investigations of ingesting water close to the 3M Cottage Grove plant and associated legacy waste disposal websites in Washington County. State businesses revealed the Minnesota PFAS Plan in February 2021, which outlines a strategic method and actions to deal with PFAS within the state. The US Environmental Safety Company not too long ago revealed a PFAS Strategic Roadmap of nationwide methods to handle PFAS within the atmosphere. That roadmap contains plans to set new federal requirements for PFAS in ingesting water. The brand new federal requirements may set off a revision of the Minnesota requirements.
-MDH-
Media Inquiries:
Doug Schultz
MDH Communications
651-201-4993
doug.schultz@state.mn.us
www.well being.state.mn.us
