'Forever chemicals' found in water in Rockford-area subdivision. What you need to know
For the second time in as many months, a Winnebago County neighborhood has been found to have high levels of PFAS.
The Winnebago County Health Department announced the Wright Kiles Blackhawk Subdivision, a 63-home residential area located just east of the Chemtool site in Rockton Township, was found to have higher than acceptable levels of the chemicals.
More: US officials come to Rockford to tout safe, clean drinking water
Here's what you need to know.
What is PFAS?
PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a series of man-made chemicals that may impact your health. PFAS also are known as forever chemicals because they are extremely slow to break down.
How prevalent is PFAS?
PFAS is widely used in manufacturing, food packaging, and numerous household products like carpeting, upholstery, clothing and non-stick cookware, dental floss, cosmetics, shampoo, and drinking water. Over time, PFAS can build up in people, animals and the environment.
What are some of the health effects to prolonged exposure to high levels of PFAS?
Increased risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, liver damage, increased risk of obesity, decreased fertility, increased high blood pressure in pregnant women, low birth weights, accelerated puberty, bone variations, behavior changes, reduced ability to fight infections and a reduced response to vaccines.
Who has the higher risk of PFAS exposure?
Industrial workers; pregnant and lactating women who typically drink more water per pound of body weight; and children under 6 years old.
What is the best way to reduce my consumption of PFAS?
You can hook up to a municipal water system or get a carbon water filter or home water treatment system.
The fire at Chemtool was extinguished with a PFAS foam. Is this behind the higher concentrations of PFAS in the neighboring wells?
Winnebago County Health Administrator Sandra Martell said, "There's been no single identifiable source."
How do I know if my well has PFAS?
It is recommended that individuals whose residences are not on city water, test their drinking water for PFAS. There is no odor or color associated with PFAS and the only way to know if you well water contains PFAS is to test for it.
Where else in the county was PFAS discovered?
In southeast Rockford in an area just east of the Rock River extending east just passed Sandy Hollow Golf Course, and north of Harrison Avenue and south of Sandy Hollow Road.
How can I have my well water tested?
If you are ready to test your well or learn more about connecting to a municipal water source, contact the Winnebago County Health Department at 815-720-4100.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrtstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockton neighborhood identified as having high levels of PFAS in wells
