US tap water is generally contaminated with toxic PFAS, and research warns of health risks

The new research report issued by the United States Geological Survey shows that at least 45% of tap water in the United States contains toxic perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances are not easily degraded in the environment and human body, and are also known as "permanent chemicals"

The new research report issued by the United States Geological Survey shows that at least 45% of tap water in the United States contains toxic perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances are not easily degraded in the environment and human body, and are also known as "permanent chemicals". Research has shown that even consuming small amounts of PFAS can increase health risks such as cancer. This discovery has aroused public and expert attention and concern.

PFAS is a kind of synthetic chemical substance, which is widely used in various industrial and consumer products, such as waterproof, oil proof, antifouling textiles, coatings, packaging materials, foam fire extinguishing agent, etc. Due to their high stability and durability, PFAS is not easily decomposed in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water, air, plants, and animals for a long time. At the same time, PFAS also enters the human body through pathways such as food, water, and respiration, and remains in organs such as the blood, liver, and kidneys.

Research shows that PFAS has a variety of adverse effects on human health, including affecting the function of the reproductive system and immune system, interfering with the balance of the Endocrine system, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as liver disease, Thyroid disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and increasing the risk of malignant tumors such as kidney cancer and Testicular cancer. Some animal experiments have also found that PFAS can lead to fetal developmental abnormalities and birth defects.

This study by the United States Geological Survey is one of the most comprehensive surveys of PFAS content in tap water in the United States. The study collected 850 tap water samples from 164 locations in 49 states and Puerto Rico from 2013 to 2019, and tested for 14 common PFAS. It was found that at least one type of PFAS was detected in approximately 45% of the samples, with a maximum concentration of 58 nanograms per liter (equivalent to 5.8 billionths of a gram of PFAS per liter of water). The study also found that urban areas face a greater risk of PFAS pollution than rural areas. About 70% of urban areas or areas with a known history of PFAS pollution have detected PFAS, while the proportion of PFAS detected in rural areas is 8%. The study also found that these substances are more prevalent in the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, the East Coast, and central and southern California.

One of the main authors of this study, Mark Engel, a hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey, said: This study provides a nationwide benchmark data that can help us better understand and manage PFAS pollution issues. We found that the PFAS content in tap water is related to local population density, industrial activities, and pollution sources. We also found that there is a certain correlation between the PFAS content in tap water and the PFAS content in groundwater, indicating that groundwater is an important source of PFAS in tap water

At present, there is no unified safety standard for PFAS in tap water in the United States. The US Environmental Protection Agency only recommends that the total concentration of PFAS in tap water should not exceed 70 nanograms per liter. However, some state and local governments have already set stricter standards, and some places even set the standards at 10 nanograms per liter or lower. In addition, some scientists and environmental organizations also believe that the recommendations of the US Environmental Protection Agency are too high and cannot effectively protect public health.

This study by the United States Geological Survey has aroused the attention and concern of the public and experts. The Environmental Working Group of the United States (EWG) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting human and environmental health, David Andrews, senior vice president of the organization, said, "This study shows that the United States' tap water is generally contaminated with toxic PFAS, which is a shocking and disturbing fact. We need to take immediate action to reduce the use and emissions of PFAS, clean up already polluted water sources, and ensure safe drinking water for people

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting natural resources and the environment, Eric Olson, a senior scientist at the organization, said, "This study confirms our long-standing concern that American tap water contains a large amount of PFAS, which poses a serious threat to human health. We need to hold governments and businesses accountable for this and demand that they take effective measures to protect our water resources from pollution

The United States Geological Survey said that it would continue to carry out more research to better understand the changing trend, influencing factors and health risks of PFAS content in tap water. They also called on all parties to work together to strengthen the monitoring, prevention, and management of PFAS pollution issues. They said, "We hope to provide scientific basis and reference information for decision-makers, managers, the public, and other stakeholders through our research, to help them better protect our shared water resources

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