Half of U.S. Tap Water Found Contaminated with “Forever Chemicals”

Almost half of U.S. tap water is reportedly contaminated with a family of chemicals known as “forever chemicals” or PFAS (per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), a startling revelation from a recent U.S. Geological Survey. However, the actual contamination levels may be higher as the study only tested 32 out of the 12,000 known types of PFAS.

Source: CBS News/YouTube

PFAS are man-made chemicals that persist in the environment and the human body, linked to health issues such as cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, and liver damage. In light of new science, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2022 advised that PFAS are even more harmful than previously thought, even at significantly lower levels.

The latest study paints a comprehensive picture of PFAS contamination in both private wells and public water sources, spanning 716 locations from 2016 to 2021. The study found that at least one PFAS chemical would be detected in 45% of U.S. drinking water samples, mainly from sources near urban areas or areas generating PFAS.

PFAS contamination was highest in the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, the Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California. These persistent chemicals are found in a wide array of items, from stain-resistant carpets and clothes, non-stick pans, and food packaging, to mobile phones and rainwater.

While the prospect of PFAS in tap water is alarming, experts advise that awareness is key. Regular checks of local utility water reports can provide information on water quality and measures being taken to reduce contaminants. Using carbon filters or reverse osmosis filtering systems can help, but these require regular changes and can be expensive.

With the EPA proposing national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals, the U.S. faces the colossal task of cleaning up water systems. Dr. Graham Peaslee of the University of Notre Dame has called this possibly the “most expensive environmental problem we’re ever going to face.” However, the path to cleaner water is essential, given the significant health consequences linked to these ‘forever chemicals’.

Related Content:

• 3M to Pay $10.3B to Settle Forever Chemicals Drinking Water Lawsuits
• 3 Major Companies Pay $1 Billion in Settlement For Contaminating Water With Forever Chemicals
• Communities of Color Disproportionately Exposed to ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water, New Study Finds
• Soft Contact Lenses May Contain Forever Chemicals, New Research Finds
• EPA Proposes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard for Forever Chemicals

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