Latest news with #SafeDrinkingWaterAct
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
With passage of two bills, Maine poised to expand testing of private wells for PFAS
Per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, are chemicals that linger in the body and are linked to health issues like cancer, obesity, liver damage, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, high cholesterol and hormone suppression. (Photo Illustration by) Lawmakers passed two bills to expand testing for contaminants in private wells in the state. On Thursday, the Maine Senate passed LD 493, which will require landlords of residential buildings who have private wells to test the water for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called PFAS, every five years and share those results with the tenants. The bill does not require them to treat the water if contaminants are found. Support from the upper chamber came after the House of Representatives voted 78-69 on Wednesday to pass it. Beyond more robust testing for renters' wells, the Legislature also passed LD 500 this week to add PFAS to the list of contaminants the Department of Health and Human Services recommends testing for in private wells. The proposal would also provide free well water testing for low-income residents. The House of Representatives passed the bill with a 79-66 vote. Both bills still need enactment votes from each chamber. But before heading to Gov. Janet Mills for final approval, they will likely end up on the special appropriations table. LD 500 has a fiscal note of about $150,000 a year, while LD 493 is projected to cost between $110,000 and $125,000 annually. More than half of Mainers get their drinking water from private drinking wells, which aren't regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Landlords are already required to test for arsenic in wells that provide drinking water and share the test results with tenants within 10 days of being notified of the results. The new legislation builds upon that by requiring landlords to also test the water for PFAS, and other potentially harmful contaminants including lead and uranium. PFAS have been linked to health concerns including cancer, liver damage, pregnancy complications, increased cholesterol levels and more. PFAS contamination in water is a concern in Maine not only from the historic practice of spreading chemical-laden sludge on farmland, but also from spills of toxic firefighting foam like the one in Brunswick last summer as well as landfill leachate. 'There is enormous mental stress associated in wondering whether your drinking water is making you sick,' said Rep. Laurie Osher (D-Orono), who sponsored LD 493, during discussion on the House floor. Some House Republicans opposed LD 493, arguing that landlords may have to raise rents to cover the cost of testing, which goes against affordable housing priorities. When discussing LD 500, Rep. Michele Meyer (D-Eliot), who co-chairs the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, argued that 'paying for these tests is much more affordable than the health care costs associated with PFAS.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Even low levels of lead exposure may worsen academic performance: Study
Academic achievement among adolescents may be affected by early childhood lead exposure at much lower levels than previously assumed, according to a new study. Just a small climb in blood concentrations of this toxic metal — still within the range currently deemed acceptable by public health agencies — was associated with worse performance on standardized tests, scientists found in the study, published Wednesday in Environmental Health. 'Children's exposure to lead has long been recognized as harmful to their health and neurodevelopment,' wrote the University of Iowa research team. 'The present work provides further evidence to support that there are no safe levels of lead and that there is a need to continue to reduce or eliminate lead exposure,' the scientists warned. In 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency first issued a rule requiring utilities to monitor their drinking water for lead — mandating action if concentrations surpass 15 parts per billion (ppb), or 1.5 microgram per deciliter (μg/dL). Last year, the agency reduced that safety threshold to 10 ppb, or 1 μg/dL. The Safe Drinking Water Act allows maximum lead content in pipes that touch water to be a weighted average of 0.25 percent across their wetted surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has historically published health guidelines for blood lead levels, lowering it in 2021 from 5 μg/dL to 3.5 μg/dL. Yet the CDC and other health agencies also recognize that lower blood levels — below that 3.5 μg/dL bar — can still be harmful to child development, the authors noted. As such, the researchers stressed the importance in understanding how blood lead concentrations that are currently considered 'low' could still be impacting children. To further that understanding, they decided to examine the association between a 1-unit change in early childhood levels within the CDC's low range — levels less than 3.5 μg/dL — and academic performance in standardized math and reading tests taken between grades 2 and 11. As a basis of comparison, the scientists also evaluated the effects of a similar 1-unit change in blood level levels in the range of 3.5 μg/dL or higher. Other data informing the study came from birth certificates, as well as the standardized tests, from a broad sample pool of hundreds of thousands of students across Iowa. Ultimately, the researchers found that a 1-unit increase in lead levels in the lower range was connected to lower math test scores by an average of -0.47 points and in reading by -0.38 points. In the higher range, the 1-unit increase was associated with lower math test scores by an average of -0.52 points and in reading by -0.56 points. The trend in score declines, the authors noted, applied to students across the entire study population, from grades 2 through 11. 'The declines in school tests associated with lead levels were generally steady across all grades, highlighting the persistence and permanency of the academic deficits associated with lead exposure,' the authors noted. Emphasizing the notion that no safe lead level exists, the scientists urged policymakers to revisit current health thresholds. Those values, they explained, steer recommendations as to when individual interventions to mitigate developmental risks should occur. 'Reconsidering and potentially lowering current blood lead reference values for intervention may be needed to better address the associations of low-level lead exposures with cognitive and academic outcomes,' they added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hill
Even low levels of lead exposure may worsen academic performance: Study
Academic achievement among adolescents may be affected by early childhood lead exposure at much lower levels than previously assumed, according to a new study. Just a small climb in blood concentrations of this toxic metal — still within the range currently deemed acceptable by public health agencies — was associated with worse performance on standardized tests, scientists found in the study, published on Wednesday in Environmental Health. 'Children's exposure to lead has long been recognized as harmful to their health and neurodevelopment,' wrote the University of Iowa research team. 'The present work provides further evidence to support that there are no safe levels of lead and that there is a need to continue to reduce or eliminate lead exposure,' the scientists warned. In 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency first issued a rule requiring utilities to monitor their drinking water for lead — mandating action if concentrations surpass 15 parts per billion (ppb), or 1.5 microgram per deciliter (μg/dL). Last year, the agency reduced that safety threshold to 10 ppb, or 1 μg/dL. The Safe Drinking Water Act allows maximum lead content in pipes that touch water to be a weighted average of 0.25 percent across their wetted surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has historically published health guidelines for blood lead levels, lowering it in 2021 from 5 μg/dL to 3.5 μg/dL. Yet the CDC and other health agencies also recognize that lower blood levels — below that 3.5 μg/dL bar — can still be harmful to child development, the authors noted. As such, the researchers stressed the importance in understanding how blood lead concentrations that are currently considered 'low' could still be impacting children. To further that understanding, they decided to examine the association between a 1-unit change in early childhood levels within the CDC's low range — levels less than 3.5 μg/dL — and academic performance in standardized math and reading tests taken between grades 2 and 11. As a basis of comparison, the scientists also evaluated the effects of a similar 1-unit change in blood level levels in the range of 3.5 μg/dL or higher. Other data informing the study came from birth certificates, as well as the standardized tests, from a broad sample pool of hundreds of thousands of students across Iowa. Ultimately, the researchers found that a 1-unit increase in lead levels in the lower range was connected to lower math test scores by an average of -0.47 points and in reading by -0.38 points. In the higher range, the 1-unit increase was associated with lower math test scores by an average of -0.52 points and in reading by -0.56 points. The trend in score declines, the authors noted, applied to students across the entire study population, from grades 2 through 11. 'The declines in school tests associated with lead levels were generally steady across all grades, highlighting the persistence and permanency of the academic deficits associated with lead exposure,' the authors noted. Emphasizing the notion that no safe lead level exists, the scientists urged policymakers to revisit current health thresholds. Those values, they explained, steer recommendations as to when individual interventions to mitigate developmental risks should occur. 'Reconsidering and potentially lowering current blood lead reference values for intervention may be needed to better address the associations of low-level lead exposures with cognitive and academic outcomes,' they added.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
CRRUA: Arsenic plant ‘slightly' above guidelines passes 2nd follow-up test
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) said it completed the second of two follow-up tests of an arsenic treatment facility (ATF) that 'slightly' exceeded the federal limit for arsenic in the utility's voluntary monthly tests for April. CRRUA follow-up test of arsenic plant 'slightly' above guidelines CRRUA provides water and wastewater services to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MCL for arsenic is 10 parts per billion (ppb). The second follow-up test results for the Santa Teresa Industrial ATF were 8 ppb, which is below the 12 ppb in the first follow-up test and the 12 ppb in the CRRUA voluntary monthly test for April, the utility said. CRRUA said results are from Eurofins Environment Testing, an independent water lab certified by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), from samples taken on May 14. CRRUA: 1 arsenic plant 'slightly' above guidelines The first follow-up test was conducted on May 6, the utility said. CRRUA voluntarily conducted the two follow-up tests at the Santa Teresa Industrial ATF as a 'self-governance measure and to assure customers that water at the facility meets government regulatory standards,' the utility said. 'This is the second straight NMED quarterly compliance test period in which all four CRRUA ATFs passed based on the RAA,' CRRUA Executive Director Juan Crosby said. 'Although the New Mexico Environment Department's (NMED) recent quarterly sample reported an arsenic level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) at the Santa Teresa Industrial ATF, which exceeds the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 ppb, it is important to clarify that federal and state regulations determine compliance based on the Running Annual Average (RAA) of arsenic levels, not on a single sample result,' Crosby said. 'CRRUA remains in compliance with arsenic standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and our Arsenic Treatment Facilities continue to operate as intended. We are committed to maintaining full transparency by sharing results from both regulatory samples and voluntary testing. Our priority is to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to our community,' Crosby added. The utility said results of NMED's second quarter 2025 arsenic tests from water samples taken May 7, confirm that based on the RAA, the Border Entry ATF (RAA 3.8 ppb,) Santa Teresa Industrial ATF (RAA 8.3 ppb,) Santa Teresa Community ATF (5.5 ppb,) and Sunland Park ATF (6.3 ppb) are NMED compliant. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Center Street Crossing project amended by East Peoria City Council
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Modifications to a project that plans to bring more entertainment options to East Peoria was approved by council members during Tuesday's meeting. East Peoria City Council approved the third amendment to the Levee District Overlay plan, which includes Center Street Crossing, a mixed-use development that will extend from behind Costco, past CEFCU, ending near City Hall. Certain businesses won't be allowed at Center Street Crossing. This includes smoke shops, cannabis dispensaries, and auto shops. There are also specific rules for landscaping, down to the trees and plants allowed. Mayor John Kahl described it as a matter of 'housekeeping' from the city. 'What we're amending is things that we'd like to see in there and more importantly, businesses that the city doesn't really have a desire to see within the overlay district in itself,' he said. The Levee District Overlay Plan also includes approval of 15-foot sidewalks to accommodate more outdoor dining and even beer gardens at the Levee District. Council members also approved its lead service line replacement program policy. The $50,000 grant program will replace lead pipes in homes around the city, and eligible low-income households could qualify for up to $1,000 in financial help. It's so they are in compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency standards. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The city is actively looking for federal and state grants to replenish the pot. Out of about 9,000 homes in the city, Kahl said about 270 have lead service lines. The Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act mandates the replacement of all lead service lines throughout the state by 2042. East Peoria identified lead service lines through a comprehensive process with resident surveys. In 1986, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to ban the use of lead pipes in new installations. Lead is a toxic metal that can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in children, leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
