Groundbreaking Study Reveals Alarming Levels of 'Forever Chemicals' Surpassing EPA Limits at USF

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In a recent analysis by USA Today, it was revealed that one of the two PFAS chemicals detected at the University of South Florida’s Central Plant significantly exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) enforceable limit. The study found levels more than six times higher than the permissible threshold set by the EPA.

The Central Plant at the university is pivotal as it manages all of the institution’s utility systems, including the water supply, making these findings particularly concerning for the campus community.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” by the EPA, are known for their widespread use and persistent nature. These chemicals degrade very slowly, posing long-term environmental and health risks. The EPA has established an enforceable limit for two specific types of PFAS, namely PFOA and PFOS, setting the maximum acceptable concentration at four parts per trillion.

This alarming discovery highlights the urgent need for effective measures to address and mitigate the presence of these chemicals, ensuring the safety and well-being of those in the affected areas.

The one measured at the university’s Central Plant was PFOS, according to the study.

USF Associate Professor Marie Bourgeois told 8 On Your Side the finding isn’t one to cause worry but rather provides more of a reason to keep studying the issue.

“I don’t think we’re at a point where we have to be worried, but I do think we’re at a point where we need to be really pushing for more research,” Bourgeois said.

Bourgeois said PFAS are used in many every day industrial products and uses.

“I guess the easiest example for most people is Teflon. It’s the thing that makes it so that half of your dinner doesn’t stick to your frying pan, which was always kind of a nice thing. But one of the more common uses is aqueous firefighting foam. And so, it’s in turnout gear that firefighters wear,” Bourgeois explained. “I can’t think of an industrial application where it might not be useful.”

Bourgeois added the standards for PFAS continue to shift as researchers learn more.

“Enforceable levels move up and down. The thing about enforceable levels is we were on track to enforce levels for PFAS in a regulatory setting, but we’re starting to pull back from that,” Bourgeois said.

According to Bourgeois, animal studies have shown PFAS can affect the immune system and make vaccines less effective, but more work is needed to fully understand the impact on people.

“When you do an in vitro study or when you do a study that’s on animals, you still have to sort of extrapolate to get that to humans. And it’s not a perfect jump from animals to people,” Bourgeois said.

According to the university’s factbook for the year 2023-2024, more than 47,000 students attend USF’s main campus.

Some students who spoke with News Channel 8 on the matter said they are now worried about the water accessible to students on campus.

“I pretty much use it everywhere — at my work, in my dorm — but now it’s making me feel worried; but I’m sure the university must be doing something regarding it,” said freshman computer science major Manan Patel.

8 On Your Side reached out to the university on the matter and was given this statement:

The health and safety of the USF community is our highest priority.

Most of the water that supplies USF’s Tampa campus comes from five on-campus groundwater wells. USF routinely monitors the drinking water according to federal and state regulations and it remains safe for regular use and consumption.

PFAS compounds are a complex and evolving topic that USF is closely looking into proactively. Currently there are no federal or state drinking water standards in effect for PFAS. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is actively studying PFAS to determine if additional national drinking water standards should be established. As part of this effort, USF participates in the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 program, which includes additional testing for 29 PFAS compounds. This nationwide testing helps the EPA gather data to determine whether future regulations are needed to protect public health. Additionally, USF has chosen to proactively engage independent experts to continue to ensure the university has the latest information and federal guidance on PFAS and any other water quality regulatory issues, which further supports USF’s commitment to providing safe drinking water.

USF regularly shares water quality reports with members of the university community to keep them informed. More information can be found here.

— Ryan Hughes, Manager of Media Relations, University of South Florida