How much do Delawareans know about 'forever chemicals?'

By Tom Byrne

Published November 14, 2025 at 8:38 AM EST

There’s been a fair amount of reporting about so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water and the potential health impact the family of PFAS chemicals can have, including some cancers, immune system suppression and developmental issues in children.

And the state of Delaware took legislative action this year to make people more aware when PFAS levels in their drinking water exceed strict health limits initially set by the EPA during the Biden administration.

But how aware are people of these chemicals, the threat they pose and what can be done to address them?

A recent DNREC survey indicates there’s still work to be done – and earlier this week, we sat down with DNREC Chief Communications Officer Nikki Lavoie and DNREC Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances hydrologist Todd Keyser to discuss the survey results and the First State’s ongoing efforts to address PFAS.

DPM's Tom Byrne interviews DNREC Chief Communications Officer Nikki Lavoie and DNREC Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances hydrologist Todd Keyser

A new statewide survey from DNREC indicates Delawareans are still learning about PFAS or so-called "forever chemicals.”

PFAS have been used for decades in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging and firefighting foams. Since they don’t break down quickly, they can build up unnaturally in the environment and people.

Some research links the family of chemicals to health problems including kidney and testicular cancer, liver and thyroid problems, reproductive problems, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, low birthweight, and increased risk of birth defects, among others.

DNREC’s study notes only about a third of Delawareans say they are confident or think they know what PFAS are. But DNREC Chief Communications Officer Nikki Lavoie notes that’s slightly better than the national survey numbers and those who are aware are acting on what they know.

“Despite lower awareness overall, a substantial number of Delawareans who do know about PFAS have started changing behavior to reduce exposure, stopping using non-stick cookware, etc. ” she said.

Survey data shows that 27% of respondents have already switched to bottled or filtered water for PFAS concerns, and 26% have stopped using that non-stick cookware.

She adds that some have said they likely won’t change their behavior even if they did know more.

Nonetheless, DNREC is partnering with the Department of Health and Social Services to help create more opportunities for learning about PFAS through a new grant program.

“We recognize that so much of the PFAS topic is not something that the agencies can take on alone. So, we’re offering this grant to locations, community groups, and non-profits to help build that capacity for information sharing.” said DNREC’s Division of Waste and Hazardous Substance Hydrologist Todd Keyser.

A webinar overview of that grant was held on November 6th, and DNREC has published a set of questions and answers related the grant program since then, as well as an application form.

Survey data shows that drinking water remains one of the top concerns for adverse health effects among Delawareans, but that familiarity with exposure sources remains limited.

DNREC’s PFAS in Delaware webpage will be home to future community outreach announcements, and also contains more information about PFAS and their potential effects on humans for those wanting to learn more at home.