More Cancer-Causing 'Forever Chemicals' Detected in Brevard County Drinking Water

Recent water quality tests in Brevard County have uncovered elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," in the drinking water of several communities.

 

Samples from the Mims Water Treatment Plant in north Brevard and the Barefoot Bay facility in the south have shown PFAS concentrations surpassing the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.

 

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and human body, earning them the moniker "forever chemicals."

 

They have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, thyroid disorders, and heart disease.

 

In response to these findings, County Commissioner Katie Delaney emphasized the potential long-term health risks associated with prolonged exposure to PFAS-contaminated water.

 

"One glass of water isn't going to be a problem, but a lifetime, or 10 years of drinking this, it will cause problems—thyroid problems, heart disease, cancer," Delaney stated.

 

To address the contamination, the county is planning to implement reverse osmosis systems at its water treatment facilities.

 

However, Delaney noted that this solution could take several years to fully implement.

 

In the interim, she recommends residents use high-quality water filters to reduce PFAS exposure.

 

Historically, areas near military installations like Patrick Space Force Base have faced concerns over PFAS contamination due to the use of firefighting foams containing these chemicals.

 

In 2018, breast cancer survivor Victoria Hicks highlighted the prevalence of cancer cases among young adults in the region, suggesting a possible link to environmental factors.

 

"This is not a coincidence that so many of us in our early 30s and some of us in our 20s getting cancer," Hicks remarked.

 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about water quality reports and take proactive measures to ensure their drinking water is safe.

 

For detailed water sample results and updates on mitigation efforts, community members can attend upcoming county commission meetings or contact local health departments.