Forever chemicals a priority for DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has prioritized several issues over the past several years. From environmental justice to climate change, we are proud to proactively address the biggest obstacles facing Delaware’s natural resources and public health. Among the most important topics our DNREC experts are tackling is the proliferation of forever chemicals.

These per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are common synthetic chemicals that don’t break down in the environment. There are thousands of variations of PFAS in products like nonstick cookware, cosmetics, firefighting foams, fabrics, cleaning products and electronics. Through the manufacture and use of these and other common products, PFAS have been released into the air, onto land and into surface water and groundwater, where they can impact water and food we consume. Since PFAS do not break down, they build up in our bodies and in the bodies of other living things. While there, they can do harm. Studies have suggested PFAS cause or contribute to many adverse health outcomes, including high cholesterol, low birth weight and some cancers. 

To be clear, this is a global issue, and although most people have been exposed to PFAS, this does not mean every person will suffer health effects as a result. But with these chemicals found in so many types of products that we all use at work, school and home, we want every resident to be aware of, and knowledgeable about, this potential health concern.

In Delaware, we continue to work on local solutions to this unprecedented problem in collaboration with other government agencies and federal partners. DNREC and the Division of Public Health have been diligently working on projects to determine the extent of PFAS impacts to Delaware’s natural resources, and to address/limit Delaware residents’ exposure to PFAS. All while national research institutes and health organizations are learning what levels of exposure and which particular PFAS chemicals are causing the most harm. 

Unfortunately, this is not a problem with a quick and easy solution. PFAS were first developed more than 75 years ago and have been used in daily life for nearly as long. This issue did not occur overnight, and finding solutions will take time. But we’re making progress. 

Together with Delaware’s Office of Drinking Water, DNREC has completed a statewide survey of groundwater that is used for drinking water and has directed funds toward long-term drinking water treatment solutions. DNREC has also completed a statewide study of PFAS in Delaware’s surface waters, a summary of which is now available online. Currently, DNREC is investigating PFAS in wastewater and biosolids; we are assessing PFAS in fish and shellfish; we are developing plans to conduct air dispersion modeling at potential PFAS sources; and we are drilling wells in the Piedmont region to evaluate the quality of deep groundwater. 

Utilizing good scientific techniques, each investigation we conduct strategically informs the next. In time we will have a refined picture of the magnitude and extent of PFAS impacts in Delaware. With our increased knowledge and understanding, we will then be able to effectively bolster regulations and policies to protect all Delawareans from unwanted exposure. 

We continue to update DNREC’s PFAS webpage (de.gov/pfas) with more information about our ongoing efforts. Summary reports and analytical data also will be made available there. We invite you to visit the webpage to learn about what we are doing and also what you can do. Visitors will find information about the history of PFAS, their past and present uses, and up-to-date information about potential health effects. We will include links to other useful information, too, to help citizens make informed personal decisions to limit their exposure to forever chemicals.  

DNREC will continue to investigate the extent and sources of PFAS in our great state and keep up with the ever-advancing science around PFAS. We commit to sharing the information we learn and to seeking comprehensive sustainable solutions to ensure you and those close to you remain safe and healthy.