Tap water in many states is contaminated with toxic chemicals

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) conducted a study and found that "everlasting chemicals" pollute almost half of the country's tap water. The edition told in more detail The Washington Post.

Photo: IStock

The federal study, one of the most extensive of its kind looking at tap water, adds to the body of research showing that PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are abundant in drinking water.

PFAS refers to over 12 chemicals that persist in the environment and can accumulate in the body. They are widely used in industrial and consumer products such as clothing, cosmetics, fast food wrappers, and microwave popcorn bags.

“Millions of people have been drinking a toxic chemical associated with cancer their entire lives and only discovered it today,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president of public affairs at the Environmental Task Force.

Research has consistently confirmed the ubiquity of this class of chemicals. A 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found PFAS in the blood of more than 95% of Americans.

On the subject: How much water a day you need to drink in the summer heat, and how else to avoid dehydration

Exposure to PFAS is associated with serious health risks, including certain cancers, developmental delays in children, and reproductive problems. The EPA states that "studies are still ongoing to determine how different levels of exposure to different PFASs can lead to different health outcomes."

The US Geological Survey analyzed water collected from more than 700 faucets and kitchen faucets in homes, offices and schools across the country. This included protected lands, residential areas with unknown sources of PFAS, and locations close to industrial plants or landfills with a high risk of exposure to toxic chemicals.

They then tested the water for 32 types of PFAS. Although there are thousands of types of these chemicals, researchers have focused on the few that can be analyzed at present.

Researchers found PFAS more frequently in urban areas or locations near potential sources of chemicals, such as airports, industrial plants, and wastewater treatment plants. About 75% of urban tap water contains at least one type of PFAS, in rural areas 25% of contaminated water.

Although PFAS has been under the scrutiny of experts for many years, there has been a growing public awareness lately that is forcing lawmakers and companies to act.

States are stepping up action on PFAS, including by passing legislation to ban or restrict the use of PFAS in consumer products and introducing drinking water standards.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

It's hard to completely avoid PFAS, experts say, but there are steps you can take to reduce their impact. For example, water filters that can remove PFAS are a powerful tool, although not everyone can afford the most efficient filters.

Read also on ForumDaily:

You can now reschedule your biometric appointment online: the immigration service has launched a new tool

Zuckerberg releases 'Twitter killer': how Meta's Threads app works

The number of spots on the Sun has reached a 20-year high: we are threatened by dangerous heat and powerful solar storms

Only a few days left before Amazon Prime Day: how to register and where to look for discounts

How to reserve a seat in the airport security queue for free: a service that saves time and nerves

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.