A new study shows that machine water from nearly 45% of faucets in the United States may contain “permanent chemicals” called PFAS (per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances).
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these substances “break down very slowly and can build up,” leading to “adverse health outcomes” such as “increased risk of certain cancers.”
PFAS”May be present in nearly half of all tap water in the US”
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) shared its findings earlier this year, and the agency released a statement about the study on Wednesday (July 5).
The study involved researchers testing tap water collected from 716 sites across all 50 states between 2016-2021. Additionally, they tested tap water from certain areas of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Notably, while “there are more than 12,000 types of PFAS”, the USGS study only “tested for the presence of 32 types”.
Even with this range, the researchers stated, “We estimate that at least one PFAS can be detected in approximately 45% of US drinking water samples.”
USGS . researcher and lead author Kelly Smalling called the investigation “the most comprehensive study to date of PFAS in tap water.”
“USGS scientists tested water drawn directly from people’s kitchen sinks across the country, providing the most comprehensive study to date of PFAS in tap water from both private wells and supplies. public.”
Smalling continued, noting that the results showed PFAS “may be present in nearly half of all tap water in the US” And that’s just when scientists tracked 32 of them!
“Research estimates that at least one type of PFAS – among those that have been tracked – may be present in nearly half of all tap water in the United States. Furthermore, PFAS concentrations were similar between public supply and private wells.”
Price difference between urban and rural areas
In addition to the overall percentage of tap water, the study also found that exposure rates increased near urban areas, as they tend to contain more “potential sources of PFAS.”
The authors note that the geographic areas with “most exposure” include “the Great Plains, Great Lakes, East Coast, and Central/Southern California regions.”
Furthermore, the researchers stated, “USGS scientists estimate that the likelihood of PFAS not being observed in tap water is about 75% in rural areas and about 25% in urban areas.”
However, the EPA says people can find PFAS “in many places,” so it seems likely that avoiding “the chemical forever” will be quite a challenge.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) notes, “Very small amounts of PFAS can also enter foods through packaging, processing and cooking utensils.”
