Forever Chemical Sampling and Local Database Development

Forever chemicals are a group of synthetic compounds classified by the EPA as contaminants of emerging concern, especially in drinking water. Recent studies have linked some forever chemical compounds to to increased risks of cancer as well as other negative health effects. We have been collecting data from three local drinking water facilities, as well as from the Ithaca Area Wastewater Facility.  We also collect field samples from both stormwater drains around Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. We send our field samples to a certified PFAS laboratory, where they analyze them for 29 PFAS compounds.  All of the data is organized in an Access database, which we use to generate quarterly press releases for the local community.