Cancer-Linked 'Forever Chemicals' In Neshaminy Creek: Study

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —The Neshaminy Creek has been named in a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey of state streams that contain man-made "forever chemicals," which have been linked to infertility, thyroid problems, and several types of cancer.

The study found that the highest concentrations of PFAS in sampled streams were in the Philadelphia region: the highest was found in Valley Creek in Chester County, and the researchers also noted the Neshaminy Creek in Bucks County.

The 40.7-mile-long stream runs entirely through Bucks County, rising south of Chalfont, where its north and west branches join. The Neshaminy Creek flows southeast toward Bristol Township and Bensalem Township to its confluence with the Delaware River.

The study analyzed surface water samples from 161 Pennsylvania streams for 33 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and water chemistry. At least one PFAS was detected in 76 percent of the sampled streams, the analysis found.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because of their durability in high heat and water, which means they remain in the environment for years without breaking down. They’re found in thousands of consumer products — cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, outdoor apparel, and carpets among them — as well as in firefighting foams.

Horsham Township and surrounding communities have dealt with PFAS chemicals from the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base and also NADC/Warminster, which was previously used by the Department of Defense.

Those communities include Horsham, Hatboro, Abington, Upper Dublin, and Upper Moreland in Montgomery County, and Ivyland, Warminster, Northampton, Upper Southampton, Warrington, and Warwick in Bucks County.

According to the study, the levels of four particular PFAS in the streams at these locations exceeded proposed U.S. EPA Hazard indexes for drinking water, the study authors added.

"These study results are critical to determining the best practices that can mitigate surface water contamination and potential exposure to humans, as well as a wide range of aquatic species residing in the surface waters of Pennsylvania and elsewhere as PFAS sources increase with landscape alteration," the authors said.

Click here to read the full study.

Related article: How PA Is Regulating Cancer-Linked 'Forever Chemicals' In Water

Patch Writer Michelle Rotuno-Johnson contributed to this story.