The term "PFAS" refers to a group of manmade compounds. They're also known as "forever chemicals" because they don't degrade in the environment. Tallahassee Doctor Ron Saff is a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility. He said he and his colleagues have found elevated levels of these chemicals in several water wells in Woodville south of Tallahassee.
"We tested 5 homes. Three of the 5 exceeded the EPA standards for what's considered safe. And there's myriad impacts of PFAS pollution. It has numerous health harms."
He says that includes compromised immune systems and neurological damage. Dr. Don Axelrod, another member of the team, said the contamination wasn't limited to those 3 private wells.
"It's also above the level in one city well in that vicinity, so really 4 out of 6 sources in Woodville show up to be too high. That should be cause for a broader look at the levels in that groundwater."
That is particularly concerning as all the underground water sources in the region are connected through the Floridan Aquifer. The doctors met with city officials on Friday, Sept. 12. They also plan to notify Leon County government of the problem.
