You can’t see them, smell them or taste them, but “forever chemicals” are showing up in Savannah’s water, and experts say they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Earlier this year, the City of Savannah reported that PFAS levels exceeded the US EPA’s proposed limit, triggering the city to file a lawsuit against more than 60 companies for their contribution to the water contamination.
Understanding PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are synthetic chemicals used in products designed to resist water, heat and grease. These resistant properties have led to widespread use in products like cookware, packaging and cosmetics since the 1950s. Yet, the chemical nature and bonds of PFAS are also what makes their widespread contamination so hazardous.
“The carbon-fluorine bond is the strongest bond we have in chemistry. That makes the PFAS very stable, very persistent and resistant to biodegradation, chemical degradation process. So they can stay there for a long time, for many years,” said Assistant Professor of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry, Jianzhou He, Ph.D.
Dr. He said that when PFAS-contaminated wastewater is released by manufacturers into our rivers, the chemicals enter the soil and drinking water supplies. Current water treatment processes are designed to remove suspended particles, like bacteria, but not PFAS.
Long-term exposure to these chemicals through ingestion, inhalation and skin contact leads to buildup in the human body. The US EPA links PFAS exposure to cancer, heart disease, thyroid, reproductive and developmental issues.
Dr. He said that “200 million people’s drinking water has been contaminated by PFAS in the US,” according to EPA data.
Savannah’s Lawsuit and Who’s Involved
In February, the City of Savannah filed a lawsuit alleging that PFAS manufacturers and industrial users contaminated the Abercorn Creek and Savannah River with toxic “forever chemicals”, polluting the city’s drinking water supply.
The complaint alleges manufacturers – like 3M and DuPont – knew of PFAS risks, but withheld this information from regulators and the public. The case brings claims of negligence, failure to warn, trespass, and violations of the Georgia Water Quality Control Act.
Several states have filed similar PFAS pollution lawsuits, with some settlements reaching billion-dollar payouts.
Unlike earlier PFAS lawsuits that focused only on chemical producers, Savannah’s case also names industrial users – businesses that incorporated products or materials that contain PFAS in their operations – as defendants. The city aims to broaden accountability, recover damages and prevent further pollution of local water sources.
Regulations and Solutions
In April 2024, the US EPA determined that there is no known safe level of PFAS exposure and issued new national drinking water standards. Under these standards, operators of public water systems are required to monitor the chemicals and enforce PFAS regulations by 2029.
“EPA is committed to addressing PFAS to ensure that Americans have the cleanest air, land, and water,” said James Pinkney, a spokesperson for the EPA’s Southeast Region.
“Through EPA’s State Revolving Fund and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, billions of dollars in low-interest loans and grants are available to help communities address PFAS contamination in their drinking water systems,” Pinkney said.
The He Environmental Chemistry Lab, headed by Dr. He, is searching for solutions to contamination issues, like PFAS, by exploring the use of absorbent materials, like granular activated carbon and ion-exchange resins, to remove the chemical from the environment.
These materials are efficient at removing well-known “long-chain” PFAS that are widely banned yet persistent in the environment: but researchers still have little information about newly developed “short-chain” PFAS that manufacturers are using to replace them.
How You Can Reduce Your Exposure
A Boston University study found that high-fiber diets can reduce PFAS levels by binding to the toxins and removing them from the body. Consider using stainless steel or cast-iron cookware instead of non-stick, and avoid foods packaged in PFAS-lined containers. Check furniture and personal care products for a “PFAS-free” label, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce exposure from PFAS particles in carpets. Dr. He recommends using an in-home water filter and avoiding drinking straight from the tap. Choosing safer alternatives can significantly lower PFAS exposure.
You can learn more about Savannah’s and surrounding cities’ PFAS contamination through the non-profit Environmental Working Group’s interactive data map.
