PFAS: Half of Americans are drinking water with “forever chemicals”

PFAS pollution is present in America and Europe. This is at least indicated by the measurement results in the US according to a recent journalistic investigation.

The water that flows from nearly half of the faucets in the U.S. contains PFAS. These are substances found in a wide range of products. Following this, a report for the U.S. government linked the chemicals to carcinogenesis and other health issues.

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of thousands of industrial chemicals that do not break down in the human body and the environment. That is why experts have given them the name “forever chemicals.

For decades, they have been widely used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, fireproof insulation, adhesives, and even product packaging.

Cancer, hormonal level disruption, hypertension, developmental disorders in children, and fertility problems are some of the possible side effects of these substances. However, they require more extensive research to establish a causal relationship.

PFAS: Forever and everywhere present

Additionally, other studies have identified “forever chemicals” in the blood of most people, even in rainwater.

This month, major chemical companies faced a barrage of lawsuits in the U.S. for contaminating the groundwater with “forever chemicals.” Subsequently, they agreed to settlements exceeding $10 billion as part of out-of-court arrangements.

The study by the American Geological Survey USGS is the first to examine the presence of PFAS in private wells, beyond public water sources.

45% of the 716 water sources examined contained at least one PFAS, on average at parts per trillion levels.

Indeed, for two subcategories of PFAS (PFOA and PFOS), the average concentration exceeded the limit of 4 parts per billion proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nevertheless, the final decision is likely to be made in 2024.

However, it is worth noting that the analyses covered only 32 PFAS. This is because, with current methods, only these can be detected. Therefore, this means that the presence of forever chemicals in water may be an even more common phenomenon.

As expected, water pollution is more common near industrial facilities that produce these chemicals.

The only positive thing is that PFAS can be removed from water with activated carbon filters.

Source: in.gr