According to a government report released on Wednesday, drinking water from nearly half of US faucets likely includes chemicals that could lead to cancer and other health issues.
According to the US Geological Survey, the synthetic substances generally known as PFAS are poisoning drinking water to variable degrees in big cities and small towns, as well as in private wells and public systems.
The study was the first nationwide attempt, according to researchers, to analyze tap water from unregulated sources for the presence of PFAS.
Extent and Implications From Landmark Study
It expands on earlier research discoveries that the chemicals are pervasive, appearing in a variety of consumer goods, including nonstick cookware, food packaging, and water-resistant apparel, as well as getting into water supplies.
The USGS is a scientific research organization, hence the report provides no suggestions for public policy.
However, according to lead author Kelly Smalling, a research hydrologist, the data can be utilized to assess exposure risk and make decisions regarding whether or not to treat your drinking water, have it tested, or obtain further details from your state about the situation locally.
Six types of PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated chemicals, which persist in the body for years and don’t dissolve in the environment, were the subject of the first federal drinking water limitations recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency in March.
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Allowing Chemical Discharge Into Public Wastewater Systems
But according to Scott Faber, senior vice president of the advocacy group Environmental Working Group, the government hasn’t made it illegal for businesses utilizing the chemicals to discharge them into public wastewater systems.
Instead of putting up a signal after the collision, he remarked, we ought to address this issue at its source. Polluters ought to be required to handle their own garbage.
PFAS chemicals may be associated with some cancers, including kidney and testicular tumors, as well as health problems like high blood pressure and low birth weight, according to studies done on lab animals.
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