15 things to know if you drink Dayton water

Photo: TY GREENLEES / STAFF

Dayton’s water is safe to drink by federal guidelines, city officials say, but it does contain some PFAS — chemicals believed to cause health problems.

This chemical is in our water. Here are 15 things you should know if you drink Dayton water.

Dayton Daily News Path Forward project digs into solutions for the most pressing issues facing the community, including protecting the region’s drinking water that serves more than 400,000 people in Montgomery County.

That’s why we examined scientific research, public records, lawsuits and other sources to find out what’s really going on. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the chemicals.

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are human-produced chemical compounds containing fluorine and carbon atoms.

About 5,000 different types of PFAS exist. This article focuses on two forms known as perfluorosulfonates, or PFOS, and perfluorocarboxylic, or PFOA.

These PFAS resist heat, stains, grease, oil and water. The substances have been used in carpet and waterproof clothing treatments, nonstick coatings on pans, popcorn bags, cardboard packaging, firefighting foam and other items.

PFAS are extremely persistent and can travel long distances. Studies show certain PFAS have been found in bald eagles, walrus, narwhals, beluga whales and polar bears. They can move up the food chain into […]

Full article: This chemical is in our water. Here are 15 things you should know if you drink Dayton water.

More about PFAS in water around the USA:

Are you drinking PFASs?

Businesses discharging PFAS into Michigan’s waterways

PFAS1 found in drinking water wells in unexpected places

Members of Congress to question EPA, DoD on ‘forever chemicals’