Almost half of the tap water consumed by Americans is contaminated with PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.

Almost half of the tap water consumed by Americans is contaminated with PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.

“Forever Chemicals” Found in Nearly Half of U.S. Tap Water

“Forever chemicals” known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in approximately 45% of tap water samples in the United States, according to new research conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This finding raises concerns about the potential health impacts of these synthetic substances, which have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, hormone suppression, decreased fertility, obesity, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease.

PFAS chemicals have become pervasive in the environment, and scientists have found them in almost every place they have looked. Professor Jamie DeWitt, a toxicologist from East Carolina University, commented, “There’s been almost no place scientists have looked where they have not found PFAS.” With the widespread presence of PFAS, it is crucial for people to be aware of this issue and arm themselves with knowledge to make informed decisions about their drinking water.

To assess the extent of PFAS contamination in drinking water, the USGS research team, led by Kelly Smalling, collected water samples from 269 private wells and 447 public sources between 2016 and 2021. Their analysis indicates that at least one PFAS chemical was present in 45% of the samples tested. However, it’s worth noting that the USGS’s testing methods only cover a fraction of the total number of PFAS compounds. Out of the estimated 12,000 PFAS compounds, the USGS can currently test for 32 of them.

Regions with the highest PFAS concentrations in their water include the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, the Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California. Most of the contamination originates from water sources near urban areas where PFAS chemicals are utilized or where waste is collected.

In light of these findings, it is essential for individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves. One way to stay informed is by checking local utility websites for the most recent water reports to understand the measures being taken to reduce contaminants in the community. Additionally, using a carbon filter on drinking water can help remove some PFAS, although filters must be replaced regularly. While reverse osmosis filtering systems are costly, they offer a highly effective solution.

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The prevalence of PFAS reaches beyond tap water, as these chemicals are commonly employed in various household items, such as carpets, clothing, dental floss, vehicles, and food packaging. They can even be found in foods and household dust.

Alarmingly, approximately 98% of people are believed to have PFAS chemicals in their systems. To address this issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed limits for six PFAS chemicals, which may require water systems to treat their water in order to reduce these contaminants.

Graham Peaslee, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame, who conducts PFAS research, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this environmental problem. He states, “My fear is that this is, global warming aside, probably the most expensive environmental problem we’re ever going to face.” Cleaning up PFAS contamination can be costly, and there are no permanent solutions available for utilities to implement. Peaslee underscores the need for collective efforts to address PFAS contamination.

The study findings were published in the August 2023 issue of the journal Environment International.

Takeaway Points:

• Approximately 45% of U.S. tap water samples contain “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
• PFAS chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, hormonal disruption, reduced fertility, obesity, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease.
• PFAS chemicals are pervasive, and almost every region where scientists have looked, they have found these substances.
• Private wells and water sources in urban areas near PFAS usage or waste collection sites tend to have higher PFAS concentrations.
• Carbon filters and costly reverse osmosis filtering systems can help reduce PFAS in drinking water.
• PFAS chemicals are present in many household items and even in food and household dust.
• The EPA is proposing limits for six PFAS chemicals, potentially requiring water systems to treat their water to reduce PFAS contamination.
• Addressing PFAS contamination is an expensive and ongoing challenge without a permanent solution.

For more information, you can visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s PFAS page.

Sources: – Environment International – August 2023 – CNN – July 6, 2023