Despite decades of warning from scientists about the dangers of polymers such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), "studies show nearly all Americans have some level of PFOA, PFOS, and similar chemicals" in their bodies
"This is explosive and is going to be a shocker for a lot of people who thought, 'Well I don't live near a military base, I don't live near a factory,'"
- . . ."In fact, PFAS are being found in really weird places because of how thoroughly they've been transported into the environment."
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- "Studies have linked the chemicals to cancers, immunodeficiencies, reproductive harms and developmental effects in children."
- "Additional analyses calculate that hundreds of millions of Americans are likely exposed through drinking water contamination."
- Bagentose explains that "170 water systems found some level of PFOS in their drinking water, while 156 found PFOA.
- That means about one-in-10 drinking water systems contain the two most notoriously dangerous forever chemicals.
- When including all 29 forever chemicals, the data confirm that the drinking water of approximately 26 million Americans is contaminated, according to the EWG nonprofit.
- The data is also 'consistent' with a 2020 study from the group that calculated more than 200 million Americans could have some form of PFAS in their drinking water."
EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox offered a concurring opinion.
"PFAS are an urgent public health issue facing people and communities across the nation. 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," Radhika said.
- "EPA is conducting the most comprehensive monitoring effort for PFAS ever, at every large and midsize public water system in America, and at hundreds small water systems."
READ MORE: Top chemical companies to pay $1 billion settlement over water contamination claims: report
- "In fact, PFAS are being found in really weird places because of how thoroughly they've been transported into the environment."
Consequently, its author, Andrew Eaton, believes that "we're potentially missing early warnings of (contamination) plumes."
READ MORE: WHO’s proposed limits on 'forever chemicals' far too weak: experts
View Bagentose's article at this link.
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