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PFAS detected in Maui Business Park system
Posted on April 17, 2024 in Health News, Essay
HONOLULU –PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were detected in water samples collected at the Wai’ele Wells 1 and 2 chlorinator, Maui Business Park water system (Public Water System HI0000261, owned by the Maui Business Park Phase II Association) in Kahului from the island of Maui. This water system is non-transitional and non-community and primarily serves approximately 64 businesses. The water system notified affected businesses.
The detection of PFAS in the Maui Business Park water system was reported in the laboratory report dated February 20, 2024 and confirmed in the laboratory report dated March 27, 2024. The water system notified the Department of Health (DOH ) of the initial detection of PFAS via an email on April 3, 2024. The level of PFAS detected is below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFOA. EPA currently does not have established MCLs and a Hazard Index for PFHpA, PFHxA, PFPeA, and PFBA.
| PFAS Chemical | PFAS Chemical Abbreviation | Levels detected (ng/L) 1 | MCL (ng/L) 1 |
| Perfluorooctanoic Acid | PFOA | 2.2 | 4.0 |
| Perfluoroheptanoic Acid | PFHpA | 2.0-2.2 | N/A |
| Perfluorohexanoic Acid | PFHxA | 2.8 | N/A |
| Perfluoropentanoic Acid | PFPeA | 4.1 | N/A |
| Perfluorobutanoic Acid | PFBA | 3.3 | N/A |
1 ng/L = nanogram per liter = parts per trillion (ppt)
According to the EPA, PFAS, used since the 1940s, are fluorinated organic chemicals widely used in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, furniture fabrics, paper food packaging, and other materials (e.g., utensils). of kitchen). designed to be waterproof, stain resistant or non-stick. They are also a component of firefighting foam and have many industrial uses.
For more information about PFAS, see https://www.epa.gov/pfas or https://health.hawaii.gov/pfas. Users can also contact their water supplier.
For more information about EPA’s final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS, see https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas.
This press release has been issued pursuant to Section 340E-24(b) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS).
Acronyms and Definitions
DOH – Hawaii Department of Health, responsible for regulating and supervising impacts on the environment and health of the Hawaiian population. This includes regulated drinking water systems.
EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment at the national level.
HR – The Hawaii Revised Statutes are laws enacted by the legislature of the State of Hawaii.
MCL – Maximum contaminant level, defined by the EPA, is the highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water.
PFAS – Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, fluorinated organic chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s.
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