Federal standards set a limit of 4 parts per trillion for two types of PFAS, but experts say this may not be enough to protect public health. According to Dan Firth, chair of the Solid Waste and Mining Committee for the Tennessee chapter of the Sierra Club, even tiny levels of PFAS can cause harm.
PFAS are a human-made group of compounds used in fire fighting foam, fast food wrappers, cookware, carpets, and more. They do not break down naturally in the environment, accumulating in animals through food or water, and studies have linked them to developmental delays, increased cancer risk, and reduced immunity.
A recent study by the Sierra Club found PFAS contamination in 60% of samples collected around Kingsport and Johnson City. The organization is testing water in Northeast Tennessee, with high levels measured downriver from industrial sites.
Firth attributes the contamination to wastewater treatment plants, which are significant dischargers of PFAS. He also suggests that car washes could be another culprit, as manufacturers use PFAS to make finishes shed dirt and water. The EPA is testing drinking water systems across the country, but it remains unclear whether regulations will continue under President Trump.
Meanwhile, a recent string of lawsuits has been filed against major chemical and carpet manufacturers, alleging they bear responsibility for PFAS pollution. Experts say that more needs to be done to address this issue, including ending the land application of contaminated sludge until it’s demonstrated to be PFAS-free and requiring companies to pay damages and cover cleanup costs.
“This isn’t just about the environment; it’s about human health,” Firth said. “We need to take action to protect our communities from these toxic chemicals.”
Source: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/jan/29/advocates-urge-action-as-samples-find-pfas