Is My Decatur Water Safe To Drink?

Is The Water In Decatur Safe To Drink?

The 3M water lawsuit may have many Decatur residents asking themselves is my Decatur water safe to drink? If you lived in Decatur or Morgan County and think you’ve been exposed to contaminated water, it is understandable that you would have concerns about your risks. 

Widespread Use of Harmful Chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly used chemicals and can be found in many products and items that touch food, including nonstick cookware, parts of food processing equipment, and paper food packaging. PFAS are also used in cell phones, surgical gowns, and commercial planes.

Such widespread use would suggest that PFAS are safe, but that is not always the case. These long-lasting chemicals have been linked to dangerous and harmful health effects¹, including increased risk of some cancers. 

Water Quality in Alabama

Multiple Alabama communities have had issues with water quality specifically associated with 3M water contamination². In 2019, 3M settled lawsuits with Alabama residents in which contamination from its plant caused pollution from PFAS to enter the Tennessee River and multiple other areas in Morgan County, Alabama³. This $98.4 million settlement agreement involved one of many lawsuits 3M has faced over contaminated water and dangerous chemicals⁴. Why is PFAS in drinking water so dangerous for communities?

Dangers of Contaminated Water – Is My Decatur Water Safe To Drink?

Drinking contaminated water can cause exposure to various cancer-causing chemicals and components, including arsenic, nitrate, and PFAS⁵. The type of exposure determines which cancer residents will have an increased risk of developing, but often includes bladder, stomach, esophagus, kidney, colorectal, and throat cancers⁶. Other health issues that can develop from drinking contaminated water include ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that many of the effects of PFAS exposure are still unknown, but exposure may cause the following⁷:

• Liver enzyme changes
• Increased cholesterol
• Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer

What symptoms should you look for if you suspect you’ve come into contact with PFAS-contaminated water? Symptoms are not always evident, and they often vary based on the type of cancer. Generalized signs can include fatigue, weight changes, changes in the skin, and swelling. 

Kidney cancer symptoms include bloody urine, pain in the lower back, and fever. If you are concerned that you may have testicular cancer, signs that might manifest are swelling of the scrotum, testicular lumps, and aching in the lower abdomen. It is a good idea to see a doctor if you notice any new or concerning symptoms.

If you have experienced adverse health effects from exposure to PFAS chemicals in your water, Garnett Paterson may be able to help. Our compassionate personal injury team has built a reputation for our passionate defense of clients. As a Morgan County native, Hunter Garnett is dedicated to helping the members of his community who have been harmed by these dangerous chemicals. To schedule a consultation with Hunter, call our office at 256-539-8686. 

Sources:

1 EPA. PFAS Explained. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
2 AL.com. Another Alabama utility sues 3M over water pollution. https://www.al.com/news/2020/09/another-
alabama-utility-sues-3m-over-water-
pollution.html#:~:text=3M%2C%20in%20an%20emailed%20statement%2C%20said%20that%20it,70%20ppt%20thr
eshold%20of%20the%20EPA%20health%20advisory.
3 AP News. 3M, Alabama communities reach $98M pollution settlement. https://apnews.com/article/business-
environment-and-nature-alabama-lawsuits-environment-a4dda1162d018987d691064b02873557
4 Reuters. 3M, Minnesota settle water pollution claims for $850 million. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-3m-
pollution-minnesota-idUSKCN1G42UW
5 NIH. National Cancer Institute. Drinking Water Contaminants. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-
study/drinking-water-contaminants
6 Ibid.
7 CDC. What are the health effects of PFAS? https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html