Almost half of tap water samples contained "ubiquitous chemicals" PFAS - Why they pose a risk
PFAS chemicals are water-resistant, which means they do not break down in the environment and stay in the human body for years.
Almost half of all tap water samples in the US contain the toxic "everlasting chemicals". These are substances used in hundreds of household items, from cleaning products to pizza boxes. As a result, sustained exposure to them can cause serious health problems, according to new research.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has carried out audits. To do so, it collected samples from more than 700 homes, businesses and water treatment plants for the presence of perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS).
After these he identified one such synthetic chemical in at least 45% of the samples. In fact, the researchers pointed out, it is at levels above the permissible levels suggested by the US authorities, they noted.
The dangers of PFAS chemicals
PFAS chemicals are resistant to water. This in turn means that they do not break down in the environment and stay in the human body for years. They first appeared in the 1940s with the creation of Teflon. It is the non-stick material in cookware that now has applications in a huge range of products.
Previous studies have measured the levels of PFAS in groundwater, reservoirs and water treatment plants. But analysing tap water allows a more accurate estimate of what people are drinking. That's according to lead researcher Kelly Smalling, a hydrologist at the USGS.
Therefore exposure to high levels of PFAS chemicals can cause hormonal disturbances among other things. In addition, it can affect liver function, increase the risk of kidney and testicular cancer. It is even likely to cause a decrease in newborn weight and affect the health of pregnant women, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Moreover, compared to people living in rural areas, those living in large urban centres are more exposed to PFAS chemicals in drinking water, according to the research.
Source: kathimerini.gr
