Researchers have uncovered a troubling prevalence of “forever chemicals,” or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), in water systems across the U.S. and worldwide.
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience tested samples across the globe, of which 69 percent exceeded Canada’s recommended PFAS limit, while six percent surpassed the stricter European Union threshold. The U.S. hosts several of the identified hot spots, with especially high PFAS concentrations in New England, the Midwest, and the West Coast.
PFAS are notorious for their longevity and are commonly found in everyday household items, ranging from nonstick cookware to toilet paper. Health risks associated with these “forever chemicals” include elevated cholesterol levels, impaired immune function, and increased likelihood of specific cancers.
The U.S. intends to impose its first enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS, geared towards alleviating the adverse health impacts of these long-lasting chemicals.
Further research is needed to uncover the full extent of PFAS contamination globally, as the findings to date may only represent areas subjected to extensive testing. As additional testing is performed, more regions could potentially be added to the list of identified PFAs hot spots. These chemicals’ ubiquity, broad industrial use, and linked health risks make this a matter of global concern.
A study performed last year found that nearly half of all U.S. drinking water is contaminated with PFAs. A recent study in the UK found PFAs in over half of the country’s fruit and vegetables.
