The full picture of the data is still coming into focus, but a study from the University of Florida on the spread of chemicals that can lead to cancer shows the substances are varied and wide reaching across Brevard County.

The three-year study is focusing on how to build up a resilience to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for vulnerable coastal communities. 

What You Need To Know

  • Researchers are finding detectable amounts of PFAS throughout Brevard County

  • Sampling is being done both by community volunteers and researchers

  • The next update on the study is expected in June

According to the CDC, these chemicals have been used in things like fire suppressants, clothing, furniture and non-stick cooking surfaces. They have been dubbed “forever chemicals” because of they:

  • Do not break down in the environment
  • Can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources
  • Build up in fish and wildlife 

The lion’s share of the sampling and studies are being performed in Brevard County, but researchers believe that their findings will have broad benefits across Florida.

Part of the research is looking into how and where these chemicals can spread following severe weather events, like flooding and hurricanes.

Researcher Dr. Katherine Deliz Quiñones said the study is still in the sample collection phase of the study, but so far they are finding evidence of PFAS in a wide range of sample locations.

For instance, in their ongoing soil sampling across Brevard County,  PFAS was detected in all 24 sample sites. Those locations included places near schools and parks.

“We'll see if it does continue to be prevalent through all sites in Brevard," Deliz Quiñones said. "About 80% of these are long-chain PFSA."

So-called “long-chain" PFAS are more complex versions of the chemicals that are thought to build up more in the body. 

Deliz Quiñones also said that there were some fish samples collected recently in the Gulf of Mexico in deeper water locations where PFAS were discovered as well, which illustrates the reach of these chemicals.

Another update with more data is expected from the research group in June.

By the end of the 3-year study, their goal is to develop a new tool that can be used across the state to identify which communities are the most at risk for PFAS and how best to mitigate their impacts.