Report Reveals Alarming Presence of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in US Tap Water

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Report Reveals Alarming Presence of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in US Tap Water

July 9th, 2023

Awake Goy

Home » Health, North America, Social » Report Reveals Alarming Presence of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in US Tap Water

A recent report published by the US Geological Survey has revealed concerning findings about the quality of US tap water. According to the study, nearly 45% of all tested tap water samples in the country contain at least one type of toxic endocrine-disrupting chemical known as polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistent nature, are slow to break down and pose potential risks to human health.

The report highlighted that urban areas and their surroundings have higher contamination rates, with approximately 75% of urban water samples containing PFAS. In contrast, rural areas showed lower contamination levels, with only 25% of samples affected. The study also revealed that both public and private water supplies displayed similar contamination rates.

Alarmingly, all measured levels of PFAS compounds exceeded the health advisory levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency. However, it’s worth noting that the study focused on 32 specific PFAS compounds out of over 12,000 known types, indicating that the problem might be even more extensive than the report suggests, as many PFAS compounds cannot be detected using existing tests.

PFAS chemicals are commonly used in the production of nonstick pans, fire extinguisher foam, and grease-resistant food wrappings, among other household items. Over time, concerns have grown as scientific evidence linked these substances to chronic and life-threatening conditions. Disturbingly, the awareness of the health risks associated with forever chemicals emerged decades after manufacturers became aware of the chemicals leaching into groundwater and accumulating in human bodies.

These toxic substances have been found to have detrimental effects on human and animal health, including decreased fertility, developmental issues in children, increased cancer risks, elevated cholesterol levels, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and endocrine system. Due to their resistance to breaking down, PFAS chemicals accumulate in the body, meaning each generation carries higher levels of these harmful substances in their tissues. Consequently, the vast majority of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS compounds in their bloodstream.

Despite mounting evidence of their negative impacts, manufacturers such as DuPont and 3M have consistently denied that their products harm human health. These companies heavily lobby Congress, which has hindered efforts to ban PFAS chemicals, despite a bill passing in the House in 2021. Some states, like Maine, have implemented specific regulations, but broader legislative actions have fallen short of becoming law.

In a significant legal development, California filed a lawsuit against 18 PFAS manufacturers, accusing them of knowingly concealing the toxic and harmful nature of their products. While companies like 3M, Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva have reached settlements worth billions of dollars regarding their knowledge of PFAS health effects, these settlements were structured to avoid admitting liability. Nevertheless, 3M has pledged to cease production of PFAS by the end of 2025, signaling a step towards addressing this pervasive issue.

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