Bergenfield Tap Water Quality Report

What is Perfluorooctanoic acid?

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical that belongs to a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It is used in various industrial applications and consumer products for its water- and grease-resistant properties.

Health Effects

Exposure to PFOA has been linked to several health issues, including developmental effects in fetuses, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, thyroid disease, and certain types of cancer.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Bromoform?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for bromoform are based on liver, developmental, and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to bromoform can also lead to liver, kidney, and developmental toxicity. Bromoform has also been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Arsenic?

Naturally occurring element that has both inorganic and organic forms

Health Effects

The EPA drinking water standards for arsenic are based on adverse effects to the cardiovascular, pulmonary and liver systems in drinking water with inorganic arsenic, as well as an increased risk of cancer. Long term health effects of total arsenic in drinking water include bladder, GI tract, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas and skin cancer, cardiovascular effects, pulmonary and gastrointestinal effects, ocular, immunological, neurological and reproductive effects. Arsenic found in epidemiological studies include developmental effects, socioeconomic and genotoxicity.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Bromate?

Bromate is a chemical compound that can form in drinking water when bromide, a naturally occurring element, reacts with ozone during water treatment. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless compound that is soluble in water.

Health Effects

Bromate is classified as a possible human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to bromate in drinking water may increase the risk of developing cancer. It can also cause kidney damage and other health issues.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid?

Part of a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used to make products more resistant to stains, water, and grease. It is found in fabrics, fire-fighting foams, cleaning products, hydraulic fluids, metal plating, and paper. Although PFOS production has been phased out in the US, exposure is still a major concern due to its high degree of persistence in the environment and in the body as well as the use of legacy products and imported goods. Many adverse health effects have been linked to PFOS exposure, including developmental, liver, and immunological problems and increased cancer risk. EPA has found that there is suggestive evidence that PFOS is a human carcinogen.

Health Effects

As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFOS is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have shown associations between elevated PFOS levels and increased total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') as well as immune toxicity (decreased antibody response). Animal studies indicate that PFOS exposure is related to adverse developmental effects, liver toxicity, immune toxicity, and an increased risk of liver and pancreatic cancer.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Bromodichloromethane?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for BDCM are based on carcinogenicity and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. The EPA has classified BDCM as a probable human carcinogen. Results from animal studies also suggest that kidney, immune system, spleen, and developmental toxicity are associated with exposure to BDCM. BDCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Lead?

Naturally occurring heavy metal commonly found in tap water

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for oral exposure to lead are based on delays in physical or mental development for children and infants, and impacts to the kidneys and high blood pressure for adults. Children are especially susceptible to the effects of lead. Even low levels of lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow development, and lead to problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech. In adults, lead can lead to hypertension, reproductive problems, neurological disorders, decreased kidney function and muscle and joint pain. Exposure to lead can also cause anemia and impact the immune system for both children and adults. The EPA classifies lead as a probable human carcinogen.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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What is Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA)?

Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for DCA are based on evidence of increased cancer risk and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. Adverse effects to the male reproductive system have also been associated with elevated levels of DCA in animal studies. The EPA classifies DCA as a likely human carcinogen.

Affected Organs

Common Sources

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