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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND PFAS CONTAMINATION IN GEORGIA: SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND DRINKING WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS

Abstract

Environmental justice (EJ) research has highlighted the disproportionate exposure of low-income communities and communities of color to environmental hazards, including poor drinking water quality. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemicals known for their persistence and adverse health impacts, represent a growing concern in the context of EJ. Exposure to PFAS through drinking water has raised alarms about inequities, as contamination sources often align with socioeconomic and racial disparities. To address PFAS health risks, the U.S. EPA implemented new regulations in 2024, establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS and a Hazard Index for mixtures, aiming to protect vulnerable populations. In Georgia, PFAS contamination is linked to industrial, military, and transportation activities, with significant contributors such as the carpet industry in Dalton, airports, military installations, and landfills. These sources have led to contamination in drinking water systems, legal disputes, and increased water treatment costs, further burdening communities already facing socioeconomic challenges. However, most prior EJ studies regarding PFAS have focused on national trends or county-level data, leaving a knowledge gap regarding local correlations between PFAS contamination, socioeconomic factors, and community demographics. This study addresses that gap by analyzing city-level PFAS data (UCMR5), socioeconomic indicators, and contamination sources across Georgia. Our findings reveal that cities with detectable PFAS contamination in drinking water have lower median household incomes and a higher proportion of residents from communities of color compared to statewide averages. These results suggest systemic disparities in the siting of PFAS sources and drinking water exposures, underscoring the urgent need for equitable environmental policies. By integrating EJ frameworks with PFAS contamination analysis, this study provides actionable insights for state and local governments to prioritize mitigation strategies that address the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations, thereby advancing environmental equity in Georgia.

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