Researcher Jane Hoppin, who is leading a study of North Carolina residents exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in their drinking water, says the ongoing work will help in understanding how these compounds affect human health over time.
Public Health
Progress steady toward opening Ocracoke Island pharmacy
Christie Woolard is set to open and manage the island’s first — and what could be North Carolina’s most remote — pharmacy.
State’s Native Americans at higher risk of preterm births
Native Americans in North Carolina face a disproportionately higher risk for preterm birth because of exposure to mixtures of toxic metals in their private drinking water wells, according to a recent study.
State on ‘aggressive’ timeline to meet PFAS water standards
North Carolina environmental regulators are expediting a plan to meet proposed federal limits on PFAS in drinking water and reduce related costs to consumers by addressing upstream discharges.
Utility chief meets with science board on PFAS request
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority executive director met this week with state science advisers to discuss adding a persistent compound to the state’s priority per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances list.
Scientist urges more Vibrio awareness as risk moves north
Recent data finds that warming coastal waters from climate change impacts have resulted in Vibrio wound infections spreading north along the East Coast, and those with health issues are urged to immediately seek medical attention if exposed.
Saltwater fish may be in future Cape Fear health advisories
Results of saltwater fish tissue currently being analyzed for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, are expected later this year, wrapping up a study of multiple species of fish collected from the Cape Fear River.
Judge finds court lacks authority in groups’ PFAS lawsuit
Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Myers II on Friday released his decision to dismiss a lawsuit that would have forced Chemours to pay for health studies on dozens of chemical compounds manufactured at its Fayetteville plant.
EPA rule would require water providers to monitor for PFAS
An Environmental Protection Agency rule would set limits on six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in public water systems with providers responsible for monitoring and notifying the public when levels exceed standards.
PFAS testing: 1,000 homes qualify for filtration or tap, so far
As PFAS sampling continues on private drinking wells, nearly 1,000 households downstream of Chemours’ Fayetteville Works plant have levels that qualify for in-home filtration systems or a public water utility connection.
EPA Secretary Regan touts PFAS funding during NC stop
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan announced Monday in Maysville that $62 million in federal infrastructure money will be available to address drinking water contamination in North Carolina.
GenX study finds Chemours-specific chemicals in residents
Though GenX was not found in the blood samples of 1,020 residents in Wilmington, Fayetteville and Pittsboro who participated in the 2020-2021 GenX exposure study, three PFAS unique to the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility were in the blood of nearly all.
State delays decision on Enviva Ahoskie air quality permit
Division of Air Quality officials are considering public input and feedback from the Secretaries’ Environmental Justice and Equity Board before taking final action on the draft permit.
‘Absolute gall’: Chemours’ expansion plan angers residents
As plant officials offered assurances Wednesday that the move would not increase emissions, people who live in the lower Cape Fear region vented their anger during an open house in Leland.
COVID-19 virus detection in wastewater samples on the rise
The latest wastewater sampling data on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard show that detection of the virus has significantly increased over the past 15 days .
Chemours challenges EPA health advisory for GenX
Chemours has sued the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming the EPA acted unlawfully in recently setting a health advisory for GenX.
