Woman discovers shocking cause after being diagnosed with breast cancer: ‘I am chock full’
Chilmark resident Jessica Roddy publicly advocated for more testing of private wells in the town of Martha’s Vineyard after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and learning that her drinking water tested positive for PFAS (forever chemicals). MV Times reported.
Their doctor recommended a blood test. “I am loaded with PFAS, PFOS, and fifteen other ‘forever chemicals’ that were part of the testing—levels that exceeded those of 9/11 firefighters,” Chilmark wrote in a letter to the selection committee, according to MV Times.
What’s going on?
Roddy’s doctor said there might be a connection between PFAS in his water and his cancer diagnosis. The National Cancer Institute agrees..
PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a group of toxic chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment, so they accumulate in our bodies. They are commonly found in everyday items that most people are exposed to, such as food packaging, toiletries, cosmetics, nonstick cookware, and clothing.
They infiltrate the air, soil and water supply; That’s one of the reasons why Roddy is subjected to this in his private well.
Why is our exposure to PFAS a concern?
PFAS in the system have been linked to cancer, among other health problems, and studies show they are present in the blood of 97% of Americans.
It is difficult to avoid them completely, but we can reduce exposure by avoiding products known to contain PFAS and choosing alternatives.
What’s being done about PFAS in our drinking water?
Public water supplies are required to be tested and reported annually, but testing of private wells is up to the individual homeowner and the board of health in each town is the governing body.
Carbon filters are often recommended when PFAS are detected.
The Biden administration has enacted federal government regulations to reduce the acceptable amount of PFAS in drinking water to the lowest detectable level, lower than any state regulations.
It is important to educate the public about the potential for PFAS in water supplies and the harmful health problems they can cause.
Samantha Look, executive director of the Vineyard Conservation Society on Martha’s Vineyard, was concerned by this information.
“We need to understand the potential sources…how to mitigate them…and make sure our community members are well-educated, have access to water testing, and understand potential exposures,” Look said, according to MV Times. he said. “This is a widespread and serious environmental and public health problem of the kind that I’m not sure we’re accustomed to dealing with.”
Roddy was hoping for this spread the news He needs to take action to encourage others in his community who depend on private wells to test their water and to secure more action and support from his town.
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