A new study by the USGS reveals alarming results about US tap water. Nearly half of the samples tested contain toxic “forever chemicals.” These chemicals are commonly found in household items and can have severe health risks when people are exposed to them.
The study analyzed tap water samples from over 700 locations across the country. It focused on perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), which are artificial substances found in various products like cleaning supplies, pizza boxes, nonstick cookware, and cosmetics. PFAS are known to build up in the body over time and have been associated with serious health problems such as cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues.
Results from the study indicate that 45% of the tested tap water samples contained at least one type of PFAS. The levels of PFAS varied greatly, with some samples exceeding the safe limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by hundreds or even thousands of times.
These findings are concerning as they suggest a significant portion of the American population may be consuming PFAS-contaminated water. While national standards for PFAS in drinking water are yet to be established by the EPA, some states have implemented regulations. For example, California has set a maximum level of 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for two well-known PFAS: PFOA and PFOS.
If you’re concerned about PFAS levels in your tap water, you can contact your local water utility and request a water test. Another option is to consider purchasing a home water filter specifically designed to remove PFAS.
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