PFAS detected in Maui Business Park System
Posted: April 17, 2024, Health News, Newsroom
Honolulu – PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were collected at the Waiere Well 1 and 2 chlorinators of the Maui Business Park Water System (Public Water System HI0000261, owned by the Maui Business Park Phase II Association) located in Kahului. Detected in water samples. Maui. The water system is non-transitory and non-community, primarily serving approximately 64 businesses. The water system has notified affected businesses.
The detection of PFAS in the Maui Business Park water system was reported in an inspection report dated February 20, 2024 and confirmed in an inspection report dated March 27, 2024. The water system made an initial report to the Department of Health (DOH). His PFAS detection via email on April 3, 2024. The detected PFAS levels are below the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFOA. EPA currently does not have established MCLs and hazard indices for PFHpA, PFHxA, PFPeA, and PFBA.
| PFAS chemicals | PFAS chemical abbreviation | Detection value (ng/L) 1 | MCL (ng/L) 1 |
| perfluorooctanoic acid | PFOA | 2.2 | 4.0 |
| perfluoroheptanoic acid | PFHPA | 2.0-2.2 | N.A. |
| perfluorohexanoic acid | PFHxA | 2.8 | N.A. |
| perfluoropentanoic acid | PFPeA | 4.1 | N.A. |
| perfluorobutanoic acid | PFBA | 3.3 | N.A. |
1 ng/L = nanograms/liter = parts per trillion (ppt)
According to the EPA, PFAS are fluorinated organic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s and are widely used in consumer products such as carpeting, clothing, furniture fabrics, paper food packaging, and other materials such as cookware. I am. Designed to be waterproof, stain-proof, or non-stick. They are also components of firefighting foam and have many industrial uses.
For more information about PFAS, visit https://www.epa.gov/pfas or https://health.hawaii.gov/pfas. Users can also contact their water supplier.
For more information about EPA's final National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for six PFAS, visit https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas.
This press release is issued pursuant to Section 340E-24(b) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS).
Acronyms and definitions
DOH – Hawaii Department of Health. Responsible for regulating and overseeing Hawaii's environmental and human health impacts. This includes regulated drinking water systems.
EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Responsible for the protection of human health and the environment at the national level.
HRS – The Hawaii Revised Act is a law enacted by the Hawaii State Legislature.
MCL – Maximum contaminant levels set by the EPA are the highest levels of contaminants allowed in drinking water.
PFAS – Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. A fluorinated organic chemical that has been widely used since the 1940s.
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