SPOKANE, Wash. — The battle against PFAs contamination, also known as forever chemicals, continues.
People who live in areas where contamination has been found in their water supply are anxiously waiting to get their blood and wells checked.
This chemical is known for its inability to break down in the environment, as well as its serious side effects in humans. But how new and complicated this information is, many aren’t sure what treatment options are available or how to talk to their doctor about it.
There is a blood test available to determine whether PFAs might be running through your body. People living in the West Plains neighborhood are asking questions like What blood tests do I need to take? How do I talk with my doctor about this?
Living in the West Plains neighborhoods for decades, Nick Scharff has been dealing with PFAs contamination.
In his basement, Scharff recently installed a water filter system which he paid for out of pocket.
“If and when the first filter gets saturated with particles and chemicals, the second filter will start [to get] active,” Scharff, who is a board member of the West Plains Water Coalition, said.