An unidentified speaker for the City of East Point said the city has installed the first phase of granular activated carbon filters at its water treatment plant and that recent sampling of treated water returned non-detectable levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

The speaker, during a brief public information presentation, described PFAS as persistent, man-made compounds that were developed in the 1930s and have since been used in stain-resistant carpets, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing and some food packaging. "They're called PFAS, short for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances," the speaker said, adding that studies have linked long-term exposure to weakened immune systems, higher cholesterol, thyroid problems and "even some cancers."

The presentation noted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently begun regulating PFAS in drinking water, prompting local efforts to reduce contamination. The speaker said East Point is seeking to meet the new requirements earlier than the federal compliance timeline, mentioning that some other municipalities have until 2029 to comply.

City officials also announced an application for a portion of the EPA's $1,000,000,000 grant program intended to help communities address PFAS contamination.

To help residents reduce household exposure, the speaker recommended simple steps: switch nonstick cookware for stainless steel or cast iron, avoid stain-resistant sprays, choose PFAS-free beauty and care products and reduce household dust with a HEPA-filter vacuum. The presentation directed listeners to the EPA's online PFAS resource at www.epa.gov/pfas for more information.

The briefing concluded with the speaker saying East Point is committed to providing clean, safe drinking water "today, tomorrow, and forever." The city did not provide additional documentation of the sampling data or an independent laboratory report during the presentation; the sampling claim was made by the city presenter during the briefing.