Global Groundwater Contaminated with Dangerous 'Forever' Chemicals, New Research Reveals

A recent study discovered that PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), potentially harmful chemicals, are present in surface and groundwaters worldwide at levels exceeding many international safety limits.

These chemicals, known as "forever chemicals," do not easily decompose in the environment. They have been utilized in consumer products since the 1950s to create nonstick surfaces, repel oil and water, and withstand changes in temperature.

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Nearly half of the tap water in the US contains 'forever chemicals,' according to a government study. Even in areas where there is no known contamination source, 31% of ground water samples exceeded the limits proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency in March 2023. Additionally, nearly 70% of samples surpassed the standards set by Health Canada.

The EPA is finalizing a proposal that will establish a limit of 4 parts per trillion for two older chemicals, PFOS and PFOA. Additionally, new limits will be set for a mixture of four chemicals created by industry to replace them.

Groundwater can be contaminated by PFAS from food and consumer products added to landfills as well as from manufacturing facilities.

Groundwater can be contaminated by PFAS from food and consumer products added to landfills as well as from manufacturing facilities.

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Some PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, have been connected to serious health issues such as cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, liver damage, and hormone disruption, as stated by the EPA.

A recent 300-plus-page report by the esteemed National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in July 2022 revealed that exposure to PFAS is linked to reduced infant and fetal growth, as well as decreased antibody response to vaccines in both adults and children.

Studies have shown that the newer versions of PFAS can have similar health effects as the older versions. The report recommends that individuals at higher risk, like pregnant women, young children, and seniors, should be tested for certain PFAS chemicals.

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A recent study has discovered that locally caught fish are contaminated with harmful chemicals known as PFAS. According to David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, this finding sheds light on the shortcomings of chemical policies that have led to the widespread presence of PFAS in water sources worldwide.

Andrews, who was not involved in the new study, mentioned that contaminants have been discovered in various remote locations such as the Arctic, Mount Everest, and in animals like penguins, polar bears, whales, and seals. These chemicals are widespread globally due to their release by manufacturers and their dispersion into the environment.

Additionally, Andrews pointed out that most PFAS sampling has been conducted in developed countries and areas where academic researchers are based. He believes that if testing was done more extensively, even higher levels of exposure would likely be found.

PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been found in the blood of 98% of Americans. These chemicals can linger in the body for years, accumulating in various organs. This information comes from a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

However, drinking water may only be responsible for about 20% of exposure, with the most significant exposures coming from food, dust and other sources, Andrews said.

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These chemicals have been used in a wide range of consumer products for many years. They are commonly found in items like food packaging, which helps to prevent grease and water from seeping through, as well as in products like carpeting, clothing, and furniture to make them resistant to stains and damage. They are also used in nonstick cookware, cell phones, commercial aircraft, and low-emission vehicles.

In response to growing public concern, manufacturers made a commitment in 2008 to phase out the use of two of the most widely used chemicals, PFOA and PFOS. However, as these chemicals are being phased out and replaced, people may still be exposed to other similar chemicals known as PFAS, as highlighted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry on its website.

Only a few PFAS have been studied. Furthermore, health advisories released by the EPA in June 2023 revealed that some PFAS chemicals are more dangerous to human health than previously believed, even at levels thousands of times lower than initially thought.

A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience on Monday gathered and analyzed data from over 45,000 water samples collected worldwide since 2004.

Lead study author Denis O’Connell, a professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, explained that various sources contribute to environmental contamination, such as fire-fighting training centers, landfills, industries using PFAS in their products, factories manufacturing PFAS, and wastewater treatment plants.

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PFAS concentrations are typically elevated in urban areas or locations where PFAS products were widely utilized, according to O’Connell. Additionally, PFAS can also seep into the environment through less apparent means.

For instance, O'Connell pointed out that PFAS was previously used in ski wax, resulting in the presence of PFAS in the waters and soils of pristine ski areas.

There are over 14,000 different types of PFAS, but only a handful are regularly tested in water, according to O’Connell. This is one reason why the level of contamination and the possible harm to human health could be greater than what is currently understood.

O’Connell mentioned that the health effects of only a small number of PFAS are known. Therefore, more research is needed to assess the impact on health and the environment of various PFAS.

Filtering water can make a difference.

Many treatment plants in big cities already filter out PFAS, and now with the new EPA rules, more will have to follow suit in the next three years. However, about 15% of Americans, which is more than 43 million people, rely on well water that isn't regulated by the federal government, as reported by the US Geological Survey.

If you're worried about your water quality, you can buy a test online or from a certified lab, according to Andrews in a previous interview with CNN.

He emphasized the importance of using a testing method that can detect levels of PFAS down to at least four parts per trillion or lower. There are numerous labs nationwide that are certified to perform tests at this level, providing you with plenty of options.

If you are worried about the levels of contaminants in your tap water, you can consider buying a water filter. The NSF, previously known as the National Sanitation Foundation, provides a list of filters that they recommend.

According to Andrews, the most effective water filters for removing PFAS are reverse osmosis filters. Although they are pricier, usually around $200, reverse osmosis filters can eliminate a variety of contaminants, such as dissolved solids, by pushing water through different filters.

Granular activated carbon filters are widely used and cheaper, but they may not be as effective or reliable for removing PFAS, according to him.

He emphasized the importance of regularly replacing these filters. If the filter is not changed and becomes saturated, the levels of PFAS in the filtered water could exceed those in the tap water.

Editor's P/S:

The article unveils the alarming presence of PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," in global water supplies, exceeding safety limits. These chemicals, used in various consumer products since the 1950s, have been linked to severe health concerns including cancer, developmental issues, and hormone disruption. The lack of regulation for well water, which supplies 15% of Americans, exacerbates the issue, leaving millions vulnerable to potential health risks.

Despite efforts to phase out older PFAS chemicals, the widespread use of alternative PFAS compounds raises concerns about their health impacts, which remain largely unknown. The discovery of PFAS contaminants in remote areas such as the Arctic and in wildlife underscores the far-reaching effects of these chemicals. More research is crucial to fully comprehend the health and environmental implications of PFAS, guiding future policies and regulations aimed at protecting public health and safeguarding our planet's ecosystems.