Almost 42,000 Toxic ‘Forever Chemical’ Sources Could Be Polluting Surface, Drinking Water Across The US, Says Study

By Environmental Working Group | Phys.org | October 12, 2021

Read the full article by the Environmental Working Group (Phys.org)

“A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists finds almost 42,000 potential sources of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS that could be polluting surface water or drinking water in communities across the U.S.

The study bolsters EWG’s long-running calls for strict PFAS regulations, in addition to more testing.

PFAS pollution affects all communities, from the affluent to those near the fence lines of industrial facilities. More work is urgently needed to identify areas where residents might face greater health risks from contaminated water.

EWG researchers analyzed potential sources of PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies nationwide, using public data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online database.

The facilities that appeared most often as possible sources were solid waste landfills, wastewater treatment plants, electroplaters and metal finishers, and petroleum refiners.

The analysis was published in a special issue of the American Water Works Association Water Science journal featuring the latest PFAS research.

PFAS are called forever chemicals because they build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment.

‘It is critical that the EPA start regulating PFAS—now,’ said David Andrews, Ph.D., the lead author of the study and a senior scientist at EWG. ‘Every community in the U.S. is likely affected by PFAS contamination, but those living near or downstream from industrial facilities may be more at risk.'”…

This content provided by the PFAS Project.