The Lancaster, Massachusetts zip code area of 01523 operates under a critical environmental hazard designation due to concentrated industrial contamination. The primary threat stems from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” These synthetic compounds resist environmental breakdown and accumulate in the human body over time. Long-term exposure to PFAS is linked to severe health complications, including compromised immune systems, liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, and increased cancer risk.

The region contains five hazardous waste sites within a ten-mile radius, including two within five miles. A significant source of concern is the ECC Corporation facility, an active site on the Environmental Protection Agency National Priorities List. The EPA currently manages ongoing assessment and remediation efforts at ECC Corporation, alongside the Princeton PFAS Site located just 2.36 miles away. Because these are active cleanup sites, groundwater migration remains a persistent threat to local aquifers.

To mitigate exposure risks, residents must take immediate protective measures. Households relying on private wells should test groundwater specifically for PFAS compounds using an EPA-certified laboratory, as standard tests rarely detect these chemicals. Residents should install and properly maintain reverse osmosis or activated carbon water filtration systems certified to remove forever chemicals from drinking water. Individuals connected to public supplies must verify that municipal water utility reports explicitly demonstrate compliance with state PFAS maximum contaminant levels, utilizing alternative safe water sources if local supplies test above allowable safety thresholds.