They promised convenience – nonstick pans that simplified cooking, stain-resistant carpets that repelled spills, and firefighting foam that shielded lives and property. Yet, we unknowingly welcomed harmful toxins into our lives, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the “forever chemicals.”
Decades later, we’re facing the consequences. These forever chemicals are not only devastating our environment and health but also creating a significant financial burden. They are impacting our budgets and endangering future generations.
From escalating water treatment costs to severe health impacts, the price of PFAS far exceeds what we anticipated. This hidden toxic legacy demands our attention. It’s time to confront the financial toll of these chemicals on public finances and hold accountable those who profited.
What Are the Costs of PFAS Contamination
Now that we’ve dipped our toes into the waters of PFAS contamination, let’s understand the financial crisis it has created.
Water Treatment & Remediation
Cleaning up PFAS contamination is a complex and expensive endeavor. It requires specialized technology, like granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, which can effectively remove PFAS chemicals from drinking water. However, this process comes with a substantial price tag.
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in Wilmington, North Carolina, invested $35.9 million to upgrade its plant with GAC filtration. The annual operating costs are projected to be at least $5 million. Similarly, Hastings, Minnesota, a town with over 22,000 residents, faces a $68.9 million cost for new PFAS treatment plants. This translates to almost $1,000 per resident.
These examples are not isolated incidents. Towns and cities nationwide need help with similar costs. The American Water Works Association estimates the nationwide implementation of PFAS treatment could range from $3.2 billion to $5.7 billion annually.
That’s a lot of money; ultimately, the ratepayers will foot the bill. So, while you might not see PFAS listed on your water bill, you can bet it contributes to rising costs.
Cleanup of Contaminated Sites
PFAS chemicals have permeated our communities far beyond our water faucets. They lurk in unexpected places, like airports, military bases, landfills, and manufacturing plants.
Consider military bases, where PFAS-laden firefighting foams were used for decades. These chemicals seeped into the soil and groundwater, creating toxic plumes that extended for miles. The Department of Defense has invested approximately $18 million in cleanup at Maine military sites, and new contamination sites continue to emerge.
Landfills, where our PFAS-containing products end up, pose another threat. Nonstick pans and waterproof jackets, among other items, degrade over time and release PFAS into the environment. These chemicals then leach into the soil and water, posing a persistent risk to nearby communities.
Cleaning these contaminated sites is a formidable challenge. It requires specialized technology, extensive testing, and ongoing monitoring. There’s no easy fix; removing the contaminated soil is not enough. This endeavor demands significant resources and a steadfast commitment to protect our environment and communities.
Health Impacts & Medical Expenses
From kidney and testicular cancer to thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and even developmental issues in kids, PFAS are destroying our well-being. Health risks are a harsh reality for millions of Americans. They are exposed to these chemicals through contaminated water, food, and everyday products.
Among the PFAS-related conditions, childhood obesity is a significant contributor, costing an estimated $2.7 billion annually. Hypothyroidism in women, another associated ailment, adds $1.26 billion to the healthcare costs.
However, this is just the beginning. With over 4,700 different PFAS chemicals in existence, many of which remain under-researched. That’s why the actual health and economic toll could be far greater than we currently comprehend.
Litigation & Legal Fees
Lawsuits against companies that produced and profited from “forever chemicals” are increasing. These legal battles, such as the firefighter foam lawsuit, aim to hold corporations accountable and recoup the costs of PFAS cleanup.
However, litigation is lengthy and costly, requiring significant legal fees and countless hours dedicated to evidence gathering and court proceedings. Maine’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against DuPont and 3M, accusing them of knowingly polluting the state’s land and water. Other states, including Michigan, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, have followed suit, seeking compensation for PFAS-related damages.
The National Rural Water Association (NRWA), representing numerous small water utilities, is also actively involved. They have filed a class-action lawsuit against significant manufacturers and secured $1.185 billion in settlements. Still, their legal battle continues as more water systems join the fight for compensation to cover PFAS remediation costs.
Recently, the South Carolina federal judge approved a $750 million settlement involving Tyco Fire Products LP, as mentioned by TorHoerman Law. The lawsuit alleges that PFAS contamination in the water system originated from the manufacturer’s AFFF.
While necessary for holding polluters accountable, these legal fees add a significant financial burden to the costs of PFAS contamination. Every dollar spent on legal proceedings could have been used for cleaning water supplies or providing healthcare to affected communities. This frustrating reality underscores the importance of pursuing justice and compensation from those responsible for the PFAS crisis.
Property Devaluation
Imagine discovering your dream home, carefully chosen for its potential to nurture a family or provide a peaceful retirement. But lately, you realize the house has a contaminated water supply laden with PFAS. Suddenly, your investment becomes a liability.
This scenario worsens in Paulsboro, New Jersey, where PFAS contamination plummeted property values by 31-42%. Homeowners suffered significant financial losses through no fault of their own.
Paulsboro is not an isolated case. Nationwide, communities are seeing similar declines in property values as PFAS contamination spreads. In Maine, where farmers have been brutally hit, the crisis is expected to cause property values to plummet further. It is exacerbating the financial struggles of those already facing hardship.
The repercussions of property devaluation extend beyond individual homeowners. It can destabilize entire communities, decreasing tax revenues and declining local businesses. This domino effect can take years to reverse, even after the contamination is remediated.
Who’s Picking Up the Tab? The Burden on Public Finances
So, who’s footing the bill for this PFAS mess? It’s not the companies that profited, but the burden falls squarely on the shoulders of taxpayers and ratepayers. Let’s break it down:
Taxpayers
Meanwhile, the companies responsible for producing “forever chemicals” amassed billions in profits. Taxpayers like you and me are shouldering the burden of cleanup costs.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) estimates that removing PFAS chemicals will cost a staggering $14 to $28 billion over 20 years. This money could have funded essential public services, but the government is using it to address the contamination crisis instead.
This situation exemplifies the consequences when polluters fail to take responsibility. The companies that created this mess were aware of the risks associated with PFAS, yet they prioritized profits over environmental and public health. Now, taxpayers are left to clean up their mess, and our wallets are paying the price.
Ratepayers
The water from your tap might be costing you more than you realize due to the hidden expenses of PFAS removal. While these “forever chemicals” might be invisible, your local water utility knows their presence. They grapple with the challenge of filtering out these persistent pollutants, which is costly.
Water bills are rising nationwide. Some towns are experiencing double or even triple rates as utilities try to cover the costs of new treatment plants.
Next time you turn on your tap, consider the financial burden on ratepayers. We are collectively paying for PFAS manufacturers’ actions, which raises a question of fairness. Why should we be responsible for cleaning up pollution we didn’t cause? This situation underscores the urgent need to hold polluters accountable and ensure they bear their fair share of the costs.
FAQs
How Much Does PFAS Chemicals Testing Cost?
PFAS testing typically costs $300 to $600 per sample. However, the price can fluctuate depending on the laboratory, the specific PFAS compounds being analyzed, and any additional services required.
How Do You Test For PFAS Chemicals Contamination?
You can test for PFAS contamination using various methods. Blood tests measure PFAS levels in serum, whole blood, or urine. Scientists analyze water samples using ASTM Method D7979 or tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Additionally, experts assess surface contamination using ghost wipes and subsequent extraction to determine PFAS levels.
What Machine Is Used to Test for PFAS?
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the most widely used instrument for PFAS testing. It combines liquid chromatography’s separation power with mass spectrometry’s detection capabilities to identify and quantify various PFAS compounds in different matrices.
Ultimately, the PFAS problem is what we’ve created, and it’s not going away alone. The price tag for our past mistakes is already enormous, and it’s only getting steeper with each passing day. Ignoring this crisis isn’t an option; it’s a recipe for financial disaster and a threat to our health and environment.