Depending on where you live, your drinking water may contain varying levels of potentially hazardous chemicals.
A recent study in Nature Geoscience, dated April 8, reveals significant disparities in the concentration of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) across different regions in the U.S. Known for their persistence in the environment, these “forever chemicals” are commonly used in industrial and consumer product manufacturing.
The primary chemicals of concern include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which find their way into human bodies through various means, notably through contaminated water.
In their comprehensive assessment, researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) utilized a vast dataset from 273 studies since 2004, encompassing data from over 12,000 surface water samples and 33,900 groundwater samples.
Research Indicates Environmental Chemicals May Impact Fertility
“We scoured a range of sources for PFAS data in water, from academic publications to government reports and online resources,” said Denis O’Carroll, a UNSW engineering professor and the study’s lead author, in an interview with Fox News Digital.
The team not only measured PFAS levels against international safety benchmarks but also analyzed the variety of PFAS compounds in relation to those found in everyday consumer goods.
The study found that nearly 70% of tested samples exceeded Canada’s safety threshold of 30 nanograms per liter, while 6% surpassed the stricter European Union standard of 100 ng per liter.
In the U.S., regions like the Midwest, New England, and the West Coast were identified as PFAS “hot spots,” although traces of these chemicals were found nationwide.
The global perspective of the study also highlighted significant PFAS levels in Australia, Europe, and China, underscoring the widespread nature of these contaminants.
About The Author
Leave a comment