Nearly Half of US Tap Water Contaminated with 'Forever Chemicals', Study Finds

The study's findings suggest that the number of people consuming contaminated water may be even higher since the researchers were unable to test for all types of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, which are considered hazardous to human health. Although there are over 12,000 types of PFAS chemicals, the study focused on only 32 compounds, according to CNN.

PFAS chemicals are synthetic substances that persist in the environment and the human body. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, liver damage, and hormone suppression, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In June 2022, the EPA issued health advisories stating that these chemicals are even more dangerous to human health than previously believed, even at lower levels of exposure.

Determining the health effects of PFAS chemicals is challenging due to various factors such as different exposure routes and developmental stages, as well as the wide range of PFAS types and changing uses over time. While most people in the US have been exposed to some level of PFAS, certain individuals, such as industrial workers involved in PFAS production and those living near related facilities, may be at higher risk. Ongoing research aims to understand the correlation between different levels of PFAS exposure and specific health effects.

Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the risk of PFAS exposure through tap water. Water filters can help mitigate contamination, and there are ongoing efforts to regulate certain PFAS chemicals in US drinking water. The recent research, published in the journal Environmental International, is considered the most comprehensive study to date, including both private wells and public water sources. The study collected water samples from 716 locations, estimating that at least one PFAS chemical would be detected in 45% of US drinking water samples. The highest concentrations were found in water sources near urban areas and locations associated with PFAS generation, such as manufacturing facilities or waste collection sites.

PFAS chemicals are found in numerous household items, including carpets, clothing, cookware, food packaging, and electronics. They can even be present in rainwater and dust. A 2019 study suggested that PFAS chemicals could be found in 98% of the US population. Although the 45% contamination rate may seem relatively low, considering the ubiquity of PFAS, factors such as water treatment efforts by utilities and home filtration systems could contribute to the lower detection rate.

To stay informed about their drinking water quality, individuals are advised to consult their local utility websites for the most recent water reports, which disclose water content and contamination reduction efforts. Water filters, such as carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems, can be effective, but maintenance and regular replacement are necessary. The EPA has proposed national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals, aiming for very low allowable levels that may be challenging to detect.

Dr. Graham Peaslee, a PFAS researcher at the University of Notre Dame, highlighted the need to address the contamination issue due to the significant health consequences associated with PFAS exposure. However, he expressed concern about the high costs and recurring nature of the cleanup, stating that it could be the most expensive environmental problem the world will face. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the importance of finding innovative filtration solutions to protect public health from the insidious effects of PFAS in drinking water.