The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recently conducted a groundbreaking study to explore the presence of PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals”, in tap water throughout the United States. This is the first-ever nationwide survey of its kind and it compared both private wells and government-regulated public water supplies.
What are Forever Chemicals?
Forever chemicals refer to a group of man-made synthetic substances that have an incredibly slow decomposition rate. These substances are used in everyday items ranging from non-stick cookware to fire extinguisher foams and because they don’t degrade easily, they have earned the nickname “forever chemicals”.
What Did the USGS Study Find?
In their kitchen tap water samples taken from 716 sites across the country, USGS scientists found that almost half of them contained at least one type of PFAS compound. The most commonly detected compounds were PFBS, PFHxS, and PFOA. Interestingly enough, similar levels of concentration were discovered in both public water systems as well as private wells.
Effects on Human Health:
Unfortunately there are some potentially negative health effects linked with exposure to these forever chemicals including liver damage, decreased fertility, hormone suppression and cancer potential among others.
As these substances can accumulate within our bodies over time due to their inability to easily break down or be removed from our systems it’s important for us to be aware of how we can limit our exposure through testing and treatment options available for drinking water supplies.
Where Are We Seeing High Concentrations?
The majority of high concentrations were reported near urban regions and potential sources such as industrial sites or waste locations which aligns with data collected from previous studies indicating those living in urban areas are more likely than rural dwellers to be exposed higher levels of PFAS compounds – with about 75% chance that tap water won’t contain any traces if you live out in rural areas versus 25% chance if you’re living in an urban location.
Now that this information is available it will help guide policy decisions concerning testing and treatment options for drinking water supplies going forward while also helping us better understand our exposure risks related to forever chemicals present in our environment today so we can take steps towards protecting ourselves from such detrimental long term health effects associated with them moving forward..
