PFAS Forever Chemicals Detected in 45% of US Drinking Water Following Tests on Tap of 700 Locations

Tests on tap have revealed that one or more types of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or everlasting chemicals are present in 45% of the drinking water supply in more than 700 places across the US.

Persistent PFAS Forever Chemicals

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are a class of over 14,000 man-made chemicals that are extremely persistent in both the environment and the human body. This means that they don't degrade and can build up over time.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) uses the term "forever chemicals" to describe PFAS due to their long-lasting nature, enduring for extended periods without breaking down. These substances have been linked to significant health issues, including cancer, challenges during pregnancy, thyroid disorders, liver ailments, fertility problems, kidney diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

Contaminated Drinking Water Supply

The US Geological Survey, which published the paper, claimed that their study, which tested 716 locations across the nation between 2016 and 2021, pioneered the test for PFAS in tap water from private as well as public water systems. Out of the total number of locations, which includes both rural and urban areas, 447 depend on public water sources, while 269 rely on privately-owned wells for their water supply.

According to scientists, there is roughly a 75% likelihood that PFAS will be discovered in rural areas and a 25% possibility in urban ones. The Great Plains, Eastern Seaboard, Great Lakes, and Central and Southern California regions were noted as high-exposure locations.

According to Kelly Smalling, a research hydrologist with the USGS, they examined water taken straight from people's kitchen sinks across the country, resulting in the most thorough investigation of PFAS in tap water from both private wells as well as public sources to date.

According to the study, approximately half of the tap water sources in the US may contain at least one form of PFAS out of those that were analyzed. Additionally, Smalling, the lead author of the study pointed out that the concentrations of PFAS in both public and private wells were comparable.

While homeowners maintain, test, and treat private water supplies, the EPA oversees public water supplies. Testing is the only means to confirm the presence of PFAS in wells, thus anyone interested in conducting tests or treating private wells should get advice from their local and state authority.

The average American can utilize this and other research to learn more, assess their risk, and get in touch with their local health officials regarding testing or treatment of their water supply, according to Smalling via People.

Caution on PFAS Exposure

PFAS may contaminate breastfed children since forever chemicals can go from a mother's blood into her milk. However, given current scientific knowledge, nursing appears to provide numerous demonstrated health benefits for infants, such as protecting them from illness, that generally outweigh the hazards of exposure to PFAS. According to the EPA, mothers should speak with their doctor before assessing the risks and advantages of nursing.

PFAS exposure other than drinking water, includes consuming fish from PFAS contaminated waterways, using some consumer products, and indoor air.