26 Million People Across the U.S. Have Harmful 'Forever Chemicals' in Their Drinking Water

Photo:Getty

Getty

In their analysis, the EWG reported that the PFAS are present at 431 water systems at levels above minimum reporting limits. The EPA states in its report that the data represents approximately 7% of the total results that it expects to receive over the next three years.

The agency tests for their presence due to their potentialharmful health effects on humans and animals. Since they break down slowly,the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciencesstates that their effects can include an altered metabolism, a reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections, and an increased risk of some cancers.

“For decades, millions of Americans have unknowingly consumed water tainted with PFAS,” Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at EWG,shared in a press release. “The new testing data shows that escaping PFAS is nearly impossible."

“The EPA has done its job,” Scott said, adding that PresidentJoe Biden’s administration “must finalize drinking water standards this year.”

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“PFAS are an urgent public health issue facing people and communities across the nation," added EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox in apress release statement. “The latest science is clear: exposure to certain PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, over long periods of time is linked to significant health risks.”

The EPA’s new report was published amonth after the U.S. Geological Survey releasedastudy that foundat least 45% of tap water in the U.S. is estimated to have one or more types of PFAS. The study was the first to test for PFAS in tap water, according to the USGS.

Scientists tested 716 locations across the country between 2016 and 2021, in both rural and urban areas. They estimate that there is about a 75% chance of PFAS being found in rural areas, and a 25% chance in urban locations.

source: people.com