Apul speaks to BDN about PFAS contamination in public drinking water
Onur Apul, assistant professor of environmental engineering at the University of Maine, was interviewed by the Bangor Daily News in an article about PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” that were discovered in the public drinking water systems of Skowhegan, Oakland and Fryeburg serving more than 4,500 households and businesses. Apul said that While people will undoubtedly be concerned about results in individual communities, it’s important to remember that transparency about the presence of the chemicals is key to mitigating contamination. He recommended that people limit exposure to PFAS as much as possible. Bottled water is one option, though that can also contain PFAS. People can also install filters to remove contaminants. “It’s such a universal crisis we’re dealing with. PFAS is everywhere. The diagnosis is the most painful process. … Now we have to strategize and remediate safely and sustainably,” Apul said. Egreenews shared the BDN report.