Many of us in West Tisbury got our first instruction in science from the inimitable Joel Weintraub, and I can still remember some of the lessons in his big, light-filled lab. There were plants, and tanks of creatures, but Joel himself was the most interesting life form in the room. He was respected for his sense of justice and was tremendously kind, especially to the kids who needed it most.

But every so often, to keep things interesting, he railed at us so that the test tubes rattled in their holders. His wrath was biblical, and no doubt richly deserved. No teacher today could get away with that kind of shouting, but I believe that Joel’s legendary rages were like the fans that indoor gardeners employ to strengthen the stems of their seedlings.

This week’s column will be science-heavy, complete with long words. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and UMass Amherst launched a study last year into the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in private wells across the state. PFAs are a group of manufactured chemicals with thousands of compounds, first used in Teflon in the 1950s. Their stability, and their resistance to water and heat, quickly led to their use in firefighting gear, pizza boxes, makeup and carpets.

Unfortunately, high exposure to these chemicals poses a real hazard to firefighters, as well as anyone else who comes into contact with them. Every time a firefighter puts on her gear, she may be exposing herself to reproductive problems, a weakened immune system, diabetes and, of course, the c-word: of the eight cancers to which firefighters find themselves especially prone, four are linked to PFAS.

And yes, I am using the feminine pronoun even though most firefighters are men, because I am a woman and that’s how it goes sometimes.

In order to get honest, accurate information about the safety of their gear, members of the International Association of Fire Fighters Union asked their leaders last year to cut off sponsorships from the chemical industry. Many members wanted additional research, as well as the option to purchase gear without PFAS.

In September, the union’s efforts failed to sway the National Fire Protection Association Standards Committee, and so fire companies must continue to use equipment that may someday make them sick.

Which brings us to West Tisbury, where one private well was included in the statewide study. This well showed twice the state standard level of the so-called forever chemicals. The homeowner was advised to buy a filter; I think I’d be tempted to put the house on the market.

This follows the discovery, in 2019, that 13 private West Tisbury wells south of the airport had high levels of PFAS. This was blamed on the mandatory fire fighting drills at the airport, where a great deal of foam containing PFAS is sloshed about. Consequently, the airport paid a consultant, TetraTech, to install point of entry water treatment systems at more than 25 properties in the area, and a containment system for future drills to keep the foam out of the water supply.

In 2020, the airport joined a lawsuit that aims to hold chemical companies responsible for the giant costs of the TetraTech investigation and system installation.

I spoke with Omar Johnson, the head of our board of health, who explained that while the state is conducting the tests, he is working closely to fill in any gaps. Since the recent elevated PFAS sample came from a well about a quarter-mile from the fire station on West Tisbury-Edgartown Road, that’s where he is concentrating his efforts. He’s been driving down dirt roads surrounding our Fire Station 2, handing out flyers and encouraging homeowners in the area to take advantage of the free testing.

The three systems officially under Mr. Johnson’s jurisdiction -- the West Tisbury School, the library -- and the town hall, have all been tested for PFAS. But also on his list are the charter school and the new fire station on State Road. “I’m encouraging, no, I’m insisting, that they get tested,” he said.

After our conversation, I feel safe in saying we are in good hands here in West Tisbury. Strong work, Mr. Johnson.

Really, if it’s not one thing, it’s another.