Study Uncovers ‘Forever Chemicals’ in US Drinking Water, Revealing Hot Spots and Potential Health Risks
A recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience has shed light on the prevalence of potentially harmful chemicals known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl) in drinking water across the United States. The findings reveal that certain regions, particularly in the Midwest, New England, and the West Coast, have higher concentrations of these “forever chemicals,” raising concerns about their potential health risks.
5 Key Points:
- PFAS are a group of chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer products, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) being the main compounds.
- The study analyzed data from over 12,000 surface water and 33,900 groundwater samples dating back to 2004.
- Nearly 70% of the samples exceeded Canada’s minimum safety standards for PFAS, while 6% surpassed the European Union’s standard.
- PFAS “hot spots” in the US were found in the Midwest, New England, and the West Coast, with high levels also detected in Australia, Europe, and China.
- Health risks associated with PFAS exposure include cancers, elevated liver enzymes, lower birth weight, higher cholesterol, heart issues, and immune and developmental damage.
PFAS: A Growing Concern
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” due to their slow breakdown, have become a growing concern in recent years. These chemicals are widely used in industrial processes and the manufacturing of various consumer products. The two main compounds, PFOA and PFOS, have been linked to several health risks, prompting researchers to investigate their environmental prevalence.
Global Study Reveals PFAS Prevalence
Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney conducted a comprehensive study by analyzing a global dataset of 273 studies dating back to 2004. The data included over 12,000 surface water samples and over 33,900 groundwater samples. The findings revealed that nearly 70% of the samples had PFAS levels exceeding Canada’s minimum safety standards (30 nanograms per liter). In comparison, 6% had more chemicals than the European Union’s standard (100 ng per liter).
PFAS Hot Spots in the United States
The study’s map illustrating the findings showed that PFAS “hot spots” in the US were concentrated in the Midwest, New England, and the West Coast. However, the chemicals were also detected in other areas across the country. Globally, high levels of PFAS were found in Australia, Europe, and China.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS
Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS, highlighted that most Americans have these chemicals in their blood. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health risks, including cancers, elevated liver enzymes, lower birth weight, and higher cholesterol. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also warns of potential heart issues and immune and developmental damage.
Study Limitations and Underestimation
The researchers acknowledged some limitations in their study. The data was limited to what they could find, and the actual amount of PFAS in water could be higher than the study results imply. Current monitoring practices may underestimate PFAS in the environment due to the limited suite of PFAS typically quantified but deemed of regulatory concern.
EPA’s New Regulations on PFAS
In response to the growing concern over PFAS, the EPA finalized new limits on the amount of these chemicals permitted in drinking water on April 10, 2024. The new standards could reduce exposure for 100 million people, potentially preventing thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of serious illnesses. Public drinking water systems in the US will have three years to reduce PFAS levels to meet the new standards, and the EPA has announced $1 billion in new funding for PFAS testing and treatment.
The study published in Nature Geoscience has highlighted the widespread presence of PFAS in drinking water across the United States, with certain regions identified as hot spots. As these “forever chemicals” have been linked to various health risks, monitoring and regulating their levels is crucial to ensure public safety. The EPA’s new regulations and funding for PFAS testing and treatment are a step in the right direction, but further research and action are necessary to address this growing concern.
