PFAS

Scientists are researching toxins, including what are known as "forever chemicals," in the bay and they could create warnings based on what they find.

So far, water utility reports reveal 89.3 million people have been exposed to PFAS nationwide, although a peer-reviewed article from 2020 estimates that number to be around 200 million.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we spoke with a UF doctoral student who studied the use of authoritarian language in the 2020 presidential campaign and then explored the power of language with two Florida poets. Later we discussed new limits for PFAS chemicals, the end of an era for space exploration, Sarasota County’s truancy court, solar eclipse stories and why fuzzy caterpillars are becoming a nuisance for some.

The Miami area has had the highest documented levels of PFAS chemicals in Florida drinking water. Although the Tampa region is much lower, utilities will likely need to take action.

PFAS chemicals have been used for decades to waterproof and stain-proof consumer products and are linked to health problems.

The study found military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1975 to 1985 had at least a 20% higher risk for a number of cancers. The list includes some types of leukemia and lymphoma and cancers of the lung, breast, throat, esophagus and thyroid.

Once completed, the Suspended Ion Exchange plant in Tampa is expected to be the first in the U.S. and largest in the world.

New research finds that private wells near more than 82% of select military sites were contaminated with PFAS chemicals. The study listed six in Florida below the threshold the Pentagon uses to trigger remediation.

Walk through the PFAS drinking water testing process and learn what the first round of results mean.

In Florida, the latest drinking water results show an “alarming level” of PFAS compounds at the Orangewood Water System in Holiday and in the city of Pembroke Pines.

Despite scores of lawsuits by its personnel and high rates of testicular cancer among troops, the military has been slow to investigate a connection to PFAS.

At a meeting Tuesday, county leaders discussed the plans, which include taking steps to ensure residents’ water is safe from the dangers of 1,4 Dioxane.