By SRH
‘Forever Chemicals’ in US Drinking Water: Growing Concern
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS compounds, are found in soil, food, home products, and water. These chemicals are abundant in U.S. and other developed nations’ drinking water, prompting scientists to explore regulation and mitigation.
PFAS exposure can cause cancer, reproductive, and immune system disorders.
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” since they don’t break down and are hard to eradicate.
According to the ATSDR, PFAS compounds have been used in nonstick cookware, water-repellent garments, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, and firefighting foams since the 1940s.
PFAS chemicals were popular because they withstand water, grease, oil, and heat. Over 50 years later, these everlasting chemicals are a health and environmental threat.
Earlier this year, the EPA reported worrisome levels of forever chemicals in America’s groundwater, prompting the first national, enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from PFAS exposure.
I consider this a public health issue. Chemical exposure—even at low levels—can harm populations long-term, according to my research. Pyromin Consulting CEO Previn Pillay told The Epoch Times that PFAS doesn’t vanish.
Pillay handled complex water contamination concerns involving waste treatment and government compliance. He claimed toxins can accumulate in people and the environment, generating a domino effect of detrimental effects.
The EPA building in Washington on Aug. 21, 2024. Tierney L. Cross/Getty
Studies imply that PFAS exposure may worsen metabolic illnesses, which are already a major problem in afflicted areas. I’ve seen industrial toxins cause health issues if not controlled. We can’t ignore it, Pillay added.
Years of research have linked lifelong chemical usage to poor health.
In April, Natural Resources Defense Council senior strategic director of health and food Erik D. Olson said: “First, PFAS structure resists breakdown in the environment and in our bodies. Second, they spread swiftly, making contamination difficult to contain. Third, some PFAS can harm our health at very low doses.
The EPA claims the new regulations will “reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses” on its website. EPA announced another $1 billion to help states and territories test and treat public water systems and help private well owners handle PFAS contamination.
EPA records suggest 7,237 U.S. public water systems have PFAS.
Lithium, a lifelong chemicals category, is also an increasing problem, according to Pratt School of Engineering.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Science lists about 15,000 synthetic everlasting compounds. This year, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found PFAS levels beyond the EPA’s 4 and 10 parts per trillion guidelines at hundreds of drinking water sites nationwide.
Above-regulation chemical contamination is more prevalent in coastal states.
In October, the GAO stated PFAS may be America’s “biggest water problem since lead.”
When Trump selects RF Kennedy Jr. to lead the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, or a similar organization, he will address these and other issues.
The flourination of water should also be eliminated.
Because fluoride is already present in almost all tooth pastes and mouthwashes, there’s no need to use it, and it actually causes more harm than benefit. The health risks of drinking water that has been fluoridated
I’ve always believed that the EPA is a worthless organization that is out of control. The necessity for organizations that focus on actual environmental issues should be left up to the states.
