‘Forever chemicals’ found in Maui Business Park’s water system in Kahului

KAHULUI, Hawaii — The state Department of Health announced the detection of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are also known as “forever chemicals,” in Maui Business Park’s water system in Kahului. 

Maui Business Park’s water system serves about 64 businesses in the area, according to a news release. The water system, which is owned by the Maui Business Park Phase II Association, has notified the affected businesses.

A lab report completed on Feb. 20 first confirmed the detection of PFAS in water samples taken from the Waiele Wells 1 and 2 Chlorinator. A follow-up lab report dated March 27 further confirmed the detection of PFAS in water samples taken from the same wells. 

Officials with the water system notified the Department of Health of the PFAS detection in an email on April 3. 

On April 10 the Environmental Protection Agency issued its long-anticipated, legally enforceable drinking water regulations, which established Maximum Contaminant Levels for five different PFAS substances in drinking water. The new regulation also includes a Hazard Index for mixtures of two or more of these four chemicals: PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA and PFBS. However, there are about 15,000 different PFAS chemicals. 

Of the substances found in Maui Business Park’s water system, the EPA’s MCL only includes PFOA, which at 2.2 nanograms per liter is below the MCL’s limit of 4 nanograms per liter. The EPA has not yet established MCLs or a Hazard Index for the other chemicals found in the water system.

Below is a chart that shows the levels of chemicals found in the water system:  

(Courtesy the Department of Health)

Since the 1940s, manufacturers have used PFAS in non-stick cookware, stain-repellent carpets and furniture, water-repellent clothing, dental flosses, firefighting foam and food packaging.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because the carbon-fluorine bonds are very stable, remaining in the environment for a long time. Everywhere they are used, PFAS have found their way into the soil, sediment, drinking water, ocean and animals. 

PFAS have been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, decreased fertility, low birth weights, developmental delays in children, and other harmful impacts to human health, according to the EPA. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.