ATLANTA — Recent testing has revealed the presence of the toxic chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as C8, in drinking water supplies for the Rome and Dalton areas, according to a June 3 news blog on Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB).

According to the news blog, GPB obtained internal documents from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) saying that the testing, which was conducted in March, found PFOA levels at 1 part per billion (ppb).

While that is lower than the provisional health advisory level for PFOA in drinking water of 0.4 ppb set by the EPA in January, it is at least twice the allowable level in other states, such as in Minnesota and New Jersey. It also is higher than a recent research-driven recommended limit of 0.04 micrograms per liter (µg/L), or 0.04 ppb (40 parts per trillion).

PFOA, a synthetic chemical, has been used to make Teflon® and other non-stick coatings, including stain guard for carpets. The EPA reports PFOA “remains in people for a very long time.” It is considered carcinogenic and toxic to the liver. Other studies have linked PFOA to infertility, birth defects, various types of cancers, dementia and stroke, the news blog said.

The carpet industry in Dalton is the suspected source of PFOA in the local drinking water supplies, the GPB item said.

GBP reported that EPA “expects the final results to come in by the end of the summer.”

No public health advisories have been issued.

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