According to a recent article on PennLive, a resident of Newberry Township in York County recently discovered dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals in the township’s drinking water. The discovery has triggered a State-wide investigation to determine whether other State water supplies have been contaminated.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie & Associates, we have offices throughout rural Pennsylvania, including in State College, Bellefonte and Lock Haven, and we practice throughout Pennsylvania, also having an office in Philadelphia. We know the extent to which those working and living on and near farms and in rural areas are constantly exposed to dangerous chemicals from farms, factories and other industrial operations.

Our attorneys have also handled cases involving families who purchased new homes built on farmlands which were highly fertilized and well-water testing results revealed the well-water was contaminated. If either you or someone you know may have also purchased new homes on old farmland utilizing well-water, you should contact this office at (844) 777-2529.

The chemicals found in Newberry Township’s water supply are known as “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” and are often referenced by the acronym “PFAS.” Like many chemicals and substances which have proven to be toxic to humans, such as the glysophate used in “Roundup," PFAS have been used extensively in consumer products for decades. PFAS were an important component of non-stick pots and pans, clothes, furniture, and even food packaging.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), contaminated drinking water is one of the most common ways people ingest PFAS. The CDC states studies suggest the ingestion of PFAS pose a number of serious health risks in humans. PFAS exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. They can also cause fertility problems in women, stunt the intellectual development of children and cause cholesterol levels to increase.

The PennLive article noted that despite the mounting evidence of serious health effects posted by PFAS, there are no laws requiring State water systems to test their water for these dangerous substances. Even more disturbing is the fact that most State water facilities do not have the proper means of testing for PFAS at all. While the Environmental Protection Agency recommends a limit of 70 parts per trillion limit as the maximum amount that should be tolerated in the water, the water tested in Newberry Township was found to have levels of 186 parts per trillion.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie & Associates, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has a history of representing victims who have developed cancer and other illnesses as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals and products throughout Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one has suffered from cancer or another illness, and you suspect it was caused by exposure to contaminated water, please call us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (844) 777-2529.   We practice throughout Pennsylvania, including Central and Western Pennsylvania and, with offices in State College, Bellefonte, Lock Haven and Philadelphia, we are always available to meet with you in person.