Elevated PFAS Levels Found in Water at Two Carroll County Schools

What is PFAS?

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are resistant to heat, water, and oil, which makes them useful for a variety of applications, including: * Non-stick cookware * Food packaging * Waterproof clothing * Firefighting foam

Health Effects of PFAS

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a number of health problems, including: * Cancer * Thyroid disease * Immune system dysfunction * Developmental problems

PFAS Levels in Carroll County Schools

In 2019, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) tested the water at all of the public schools in Carroll County for PFAS. The results of the testing showed that two schools had elevated levels of PFAS in their water: * Hampstead Elementary School * North Carroll High School The levels of PFAS in the water at these schools were above the health advisory level set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What is Being Done to Address the PFAS Contamination?

The Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) is working with the MDE to address the PFAS contamination. The CCPS has taken the following steps: * Installed water filters at Hampstead Elementary School and North Carroll High School * Provided bottled water to students and staff at the affected schools * Developed a plan to replace the water lines at the affected schools

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from PFAS?

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from PFAS, including: * Avoid using non-stick cookware and food packaging * Wear gloves when handling waterproof clothing * Avoid drinking water from sources that may be contaminated with PFAS * If you are concerned about your exposure to PFAS, you can talk to your doctor

Additional Resources

* [Maryland Department of the Environment](https://mde.maryland.gov/Pages/Home.aspx) * [Environmental Protection Agency](https://www.epa.gov/) * [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/)