PFAS Potentially Contaminate Water For Up to 95 Million Americans: Study

PFAS refer to a group of more than 12,000 heat-resistant, oil-resistant, and water-resistant chemicals that can stay in human bodies for years and affect almost every organ system, leading to severe diseases including cancers, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, digestive issues, liver damage, asthma, allergies, and reduced vaccine response in children. 

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Between 71 million to 95 million Americans potentially get their drinking water from untreated groundwater sources with detectable concentrations of PFAS, new research has found.

The US Geological Survey’s assessment of groundwater contamination revealed levels soaring up to 37,000 times beyond the drinking water standards recently revised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This issue is particularly concerning for individuals who rely on water sources from private wells or small public wells, which are not subject to EPA regulations. Approximately 13% of the US population falls into this category, according to the study published last month.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) refer to a group of more than 12,000 heat-resistant, oil-resistant, and water-resistant chemicals first introduced in the 1930s and found in hundreds of products including stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, makeup, cleaning products, paints, and fire-fighting foams. They are also commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down and can stay in human bodies for years, affecting almost every organ system.

They have been associated with adverse human health effects ranging from cancers to high cholesterol, thyroid disease, digestive issues, liver damage, asthma, allergies, and reduced vaccine response in children. 

Owing to their long-term and widespread use, PFAS have contaminated drinking water supplies across the US and elsewhere in the world.

A 2023 study that assessed both private and public drinking water sources across the US revealed that toxic forever chemicals are present in nearly half of the country’s tap water and about 70% of urban tap water sources. Despite no substantial difference in PFAS concentrations between public and private water sources, the survey found great variation between urban and rural sources. 

Previous research by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who live in communities with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents are more likely to be exposed to PFAS in their water supplies, citing the disproportionate siting of sources of PFAS pollution such as manufacturers, airports, wastewater treatment plants, and landfills, near watersheds serving these communities.

Just days before the release of the study, chemical and manufacturer 3M reached a $10.3 billion settlement with American cities and towns that claimed the company was responsible for PFAS contamination of their public water systems.

In April, the Biden administration announced the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to PFA. Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is investing $10 billion for removal of PFAS and other emerging contaminants from water.