widely used chemicals called PFAS is back in the headlines as Announced by the Environmental Protection Agency It is issuing the first national regulations limiting the amount of these substances in drinking water.
PFAS These are commonly referred to as “eternal chemicals” because they take thousands of years to break down in the environment. Traces of it are now found almost everywhere, in and out of the air. waterand soil.
PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been used since the 1940s and are popular in a wide range of applications because they often repel oil and water and are heat resistant. various products, cooking utensils, food packaging, paper plates, etc. Contact lenses, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, dental floss. clothing etc. Traces of it are now found almost everywhere, in and out of the air. waterand soil.
But evidence that PFAS are toxic has been mounting for decades, according to industry documents.
“They’re in everything from nonstick cookware to cleaning supplies and personal care products,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said at a press conference. “But there is no question that many of these chemicals can be harmful to our health and the environment.”
PFAS and potential health effects
Health experts say even small amounts can be a concern because low doses of the chemical can accumulate in the body over time.
Previous research has shown that over 95% of Americans PFAS “detection level” In their blood.
The EPA says research shows that exposure to certain levels of PFAS can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Reproductive problems such as decreased fertility, delayed child development, and low birth weight.
- Suppression of the immune system.
- Increased cholesterol levels.
- Effects on the cardiovascular system.
- Certain types of cancer.
Dr. Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Sciences, told CBS News, “I think the strongest data are on kidney cancer, followed by testicular cancer.” “However, there is increasing evidence for some other forms of cancer.”
EPA says there is no safe level of exposure to PFAS without risk of health effects, and will require public water utilities to test for six different PFAS chemicals to reduce exposure in drinking water It is planned. Businesses will have three years to begin testing for PFAS contamination, and then an additional two years to identify, purchase and install technology to treat contaminated water.
The EPA says the new standard will reduce PFAS exposure for 100 million people and prevent thousands of deaths and illnesses.
“For far too long, drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country,” Regan said in a statement.
chemicals forever in water
A study published last year estimated that Almost half of tap water in the US Contains one or more PFAS.
The U.S. Geological Survey tested tap water at 716 locations, including 269 private wells and 447 public sources in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. Data collected from 2016 to 2021 found PFAS in water from at least 45% of faucets, according to the study.
A separate study earlier this week found that the US, Australia and Europe High PFAS hotspots in surface water and groundwater.
natural earth science
In its latest water regulation, EPA estimates that 6% to 10% of the 66,000 public water utility systems affected by the standard may need to take action to become compliant.
Critics say the EPA is not doing enough because the standard only regulates six of the more than 15,000 PFAS chemicals.
Can a water filter remove PFAS?
There are several technologies available. Filter PFAS from household water sauce.
“Several common filters have been shown to be effective in reducing PFAS in drinking water,” said Dr. Andrew Lazure, a water quality expert at the University of Maryland. “These include activated carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.”
The EPA’s website states that high-pressure membranes such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis are “highly effective at removing PFAS.”
If you want to limit your exposure to PFAS in your drinking water, you can ask your water provider how they test for the chemicals or have your water tested at a state-certified laboratory using EPA testing standards.
For other common consumer products, there are several running lists to help you track which companies have banned PFAS from their products.
-The Associated Press contributed reporting.
