Pennsylvania
Water systems in Pennsylvania show high PFAS levels above EPA standards
Nearly 19% of Pennsylvania’s water systems have PFAS levels exceeding new federal standards, raising concerns about water safety in several counties.
Zoë Read reports for WHYY.
In short:
- Public water providers in Pennsylvania found PFAS levels above federal regulations in 19% of tested systems between January and March 2024.
- The highest contamination in Pennsylvania was at Brookside Village Mobile Home Park, with levels reaching 2,100 parts per trillion.
- Smaller municipalities and communities are most affected, often lacking advanced filtration systems found in larger water providers.
Key quote:
“These forever chemicals are just about everywhere, and it’s hard not to find them.”
— Chuck Powley, PFAS Solutions
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body, have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, liver damage, and reproductive issues. These substances, commonly found in household products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, are notorious for their resistance to breaking down.
A mother and her six children died when their Central Pennsylvania home exploded and caught on fire Sunday morning, state police said.
The explosion and fire happened at around 8:30 a.m. at a home on Long Run Road in Lamar Township, Clinton County, which is roughly 35 miles from State College. Crews arrived on the scene and found the home fully engulfed in flames, with the mother and her six children trapped.
State police identified the 34-year-old woman who died in the fire as Sarah B. Stolzfus. Her 11-year-old son, 10-year-old son, 8-year-old daughter, 6-year-old daughter, 5-year-old son and 3-year-old son also died in the blaze, according to state police.
A propane leak inside the house might’ve caused the explosion and fire, state police said. Propane tanks outside the home did not explode or contribute to the fire, according to state police.
The explosion and fire are under investigation by state police.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Pennsylvania State Police is investigating an incident in Salisbury Township on Saturday.
Lancaster County dispatch confirmed that troopers were called to the 4900 block of Strasburg Road for an incident that was reported around 11 a.m.
Fire and EMS was called to the area but have since been cleared, dispatch said.
This is a developing story. CBS 21 is working to learn more.
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