Tiny PFAS particles, previously undetectable by standard tests, have been contaminating drinking water in Burlington, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro for years. Researchers at Duke University uncovered that these nanoparticles, released by a textile manufacturer, slipped past routine monitoring and transformed into even more toxic chemicals downstream. The shocker? Some levels reached 12 million parts per trillion—way above the EPA’s safety limit. Even though changes in industrial practices have reduced PFAS, the legacy of these toxins lingers in soil and water, especially for private well users. How should communities push for better water protections? #Science #NCWater #PFAS