A Maryland woman who lost several dogs to cancer and has battled serious health problems for years is questioning whether contaminated drinking water contributed to her family's suffering, after tests detected a toxic 'forever chemical' in her private well.

Debbie Blankenship, from Elkton, Maryland, discovered that her well contained perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), after W.L. Gore & Associates contacted her in 2023 to arrange water testing.

The company, known for products including Gore-Tex waterproof membranes, has faced lawsuits alleging that its historical use of PFAS contaminated groundwater and exposed nearby residents to potentially harmful chemicals. The lawsuits further claim that the company knew about the risks for decades but failed to disclose them.

Blankenship told The Washington Post that she and her dogs were the only members of her household who drank the well water, while her husband and children relied on bottled water. Several of her dogs subsequently died of cancer, and she has also experienced a prolonged battle with cancer and other health problems.

However, there is no established evidence that the water caused her illnesses or her pets' deaths. The situation highlights growing concerns about PFAS contamination, particularly PFOA, which has been classified as carcinogenic to humans.

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Called Forever Chemicals

PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing because of their resistance to heat, water, oil and stains. They have been incorporated into various industrial materials and consumer products, including waterproof fabrics, non-stick coatings and certain food packaging.

They are commonly called 'forever chemicals' because their strong chemical bonds make many of them extremely resistant to environmental breakdown. Some PFAS can also remain in the human body for years, depending on the specific chemical.

PFOA was historically used in the production of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly associated with non-stick products such as Teflon. Although its use has been phased out in many applications, the chemical remains a concern because of its persistence in the environment.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), PFOA is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans. Its evaluation considered evidence from human studies, animal experiments and research examining how the chemical may contribute to cancer development.

PFOA Exposure Has Been Linked to Certain Cancers

Research has identified associations between PFOA exposure and several health concerns, including kidney and testicular cancer.

The IARC's evaluation found limited evidence of cancer in humans, particularly renal cell carcinoma and testicular cancer. However, evidence from experimental animals and studies examining biological mechanisms also contributed to its classification of PFOA as carcinogenic.

The US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has also identified associations between exposure to certain PFAS and health effects involving the immune system, liver function, pregnancy and cholesterol levels.

Its research indicates that PFOA and other PFAS may be associated with reduced antibody responses to some vaccines, changes in liver enzymes and pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia.

These findings do not mean everyone exposed to PFAS will develop health problems. The likelihood of an adverse effect can depend on the chemical involved, the amount and duration of exposure, individual characteristics and other environmental factors.

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Water Tests Revealed PFOA in Nearby Homes

Blankenship's water sample, collected in May 2023, contained 3.4 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFOA, according to documents reviewed by The Washington Post.

Although the concentration was below the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA in public drinking water systems, other nearby samples revealed substantially higher levels.

Tests conducted throughout 2023 by Gore and Maryland's Department of the Environment found PFOA concentrations reaching 800 ppt in neighbouring wells and 1,300 ppt in groundwater near the company's Cherry Hill facility.

Monitoring wells near another Gore facility in Fair Hill recorded concentrations as high as 1,800 ppt.

The findings raised concerns about the extent of contamination, particularly among residents who rely on private wells. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not covered by federal drinking water regulations, leaving homeowners responsible for monitoring their water quality.

Gore said it had never manufactured PFOA and that only trace amounts were present in raw materials purchased from suppliers. The company also disputed the allegations in the lawsuits, denied concealing information about potential risks and said it had eliminated PFOA from its supply chain in 2014.

How Can People Reduce Their Exposure to PFAS

Because PFAS can persist in the environment, preventing exposure is an important public health consideration.

People concerned about possible contamination can contact their local health department to ask about drinking water testing, particularly if their homes rely on private wells near industrial sites.

If testing identifies PFAS contamination, appropriate filtration systems may help reduce certain chemicals in drinking water. Activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems are among the technologies used for this purpose, although their effectiveness depends on the specific system and chemicals involved.

The EPA also recommends following local public health guidance when contamination is identified.

Blood tests can measure certain PFAS in the body, but they cannot determine whether a person's health problems were caused by exposure or predict whether they will develop a particular disease.

For Blankenship, the discovery has changed how her household approaches drinking water. While waiting for a connection to the local water utility, she has been using bottled water supplied by Gore and rainwater for her garden.

Her experience illustrates the challenges communities face when industrial pollution threatens drinking water. Although the lawsuits' allegations remain disputed, the established persistence of PFOA and its classification as a human carcinogen underscore why monitoring environmental contamination and protecting drinking water remain important public health priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are PFAS?
    PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing due to their resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains.
  • Why are PFAS called 'forever chemicals'?
    PFAS are called 'forever chemicals' because their strong chemical bonds make them extremely resistant to environmental breakdown.
  • What health risks are associated with PFOA exposure?
    PFOA exposure has been linked to certain cancers, immune system effects, liver function changes, and pregnancy-related issues.
  • How can PFAS contamination in drinking water be addressed?
    PFAS contamination can be addressed by testing water, using filtration systems, and following public health guidance.
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