It’s Literally Raining “Forever Chemicals” in Miami
By: Florida International University News
Nov 4, 2024
Recent research reveals that Miami’s rainwater contains PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” demonstrating how these synthetic pollutants spread through the global water cycle. A yearlong study by Florida International University (FIU) detected 21 types of PFAS in rainwater samples across Miami-Dade County, including phased-out compounds like PFOS and PFOA and newer varieties still in use. The findings, published in Atmospheric Pollution Research, suggest PFAS can travel long distances via the atmosphere, accumulating in surface and groundwater globally. PFAS, used in consumer goods like non-stick cookware and firefighting foams, are nearly indestructible and have been linked to severe health risks, including cancer and organ damage. Even low exposure levels are deemed dangerous by the EPA.
The study highlights that while many PFAS detected in Miami’s rainwater appear to originate locally, some align with pollutants from distant regions. Researchers observed seasonal patterns, with higher PFAS concentrations during Miami’s dry season (October to May) when northern air masses carry contaminants southward. This seasonal surge introduced emerging PFAS typically associated with manufacturing hubs like North Carolina. FIU researchers suspect that dry air conditions allow PFAS to bind to dust and microscopic particles, which then descend with rain, increasing pollution levels. This finding underscores the role of atmospheric transport in global PFAS contamination.
The FIU team, led by Assistant Professor Natalia Soares Quinete, has been mapping PFAS prevalence across South Florida, identifying contamination in water sources, marine life, and now rainwater. Their research aims to inform solutions and regulations to mitigate PFAS spread. Graduate researcher Maria Guerra de Navarro emphasized the global interconnectedness of PFAS pollution, urging proactive measures to prevent these chemicals from circulating worldwide. By raising awareness and providing actionable data, the team hopes to guide policies to curb the persistent and far-reaching impact of PFAS.
For more details, see the original article, the published study, and the accompanying youtube video.
