Today nearly all Americans, including newborn babies, have PFAS in their blood, and up to 110 million people may be drinking PFAS-tainted water. USA TODAY. US drinking water contamination with ‘forever chemicals’ far worse than scientists thought. An interactive map by EWG and the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute at Northeastern locates publicly known pollution from PFAS chemicals … PFAS are used in a staggering array of consumer products and commercial applications. CARLY CASSELLA. Highest levels of PFAS in Miami, Philadelphia and New Orleans, report by environmental watchdog finds, Last modified on Wed 22 Jan 2020 13.41 EST. They build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment. Of tap water samples taken by EWG from 44 sites in 31 states and Washington DC, only one location, Meridian, Mississippi, which relies on 700ft (215m) deep wells, had no detectable PFAS. The presence of PFAS in our environment is something we need to pay close attention to. Learn how to protect your family from PFAS chemicals with EWG’s easy-to-follow guide. Hundreds of everyday products are made with highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS. These long-living chemicals were being used to make products like Teflon, Scotchgard and various foams, but some research on animals suggested that at certain levels, the compounds might increase risk of cancer, or cause immune, liver and thyroid issues. About the Map. Environmental Working Group. Tougher laws and regulations are essential, but you can also take steps to protect yourself and your family today. A study released Wednesday by an environmental watchdog group found heightened levels of … This article is more than 9 months old . Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ more common in tap water than thought, report says. Privacy Policy | Congress is considering legislation right now that would help stop the spread of PFAS contamination and clean up legacy pollution. In no less than 34 locations, EWG says they detected contamination not reported by the EPA or state environmental agencies; however, these results are not peer-reviewed and the group is looking for chemicals at such low levels, it's unclear if there would be any impact on human health at all. The ‘Forever Chemicals’ in 99% of Americans. The EPA said it has helped states and communities address PFAS and that it is working to put limits on the two main chemicals but did not give a timeline. up to 110 million people may be drinking PFAS-tainted water, EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™. In 2018 a draft report from an office of the US Department of Health and Human Services said the risk level for exposure to the chemicals should be up to 10 times lower than the 70 PPT threshold the EPA recommends. In 2001, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first heard about the risks that PFAS might pose to the environment and public health. Hundreds of everyday products are made with highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS. Reprint Permission Information. In 1946, DuPont introduced nonstick cookware coated with Teflon. The EPA kindly suggests we stick to a safety threshold of 70 parts per trillion, but they don't enforce those rules or require companies and agencies to publicise these levels. What began as a “miracle of modern chemistry” is now a national crisis. If you've been reading the headlines and are suddenly terrified by the "toxic soup" of "forever chemicals" in the water you've been drinking your whole life, it's time to stop, relax and look up the source. “Everyone’s really exposed to a toxic soup of these PFAS chemicals,” Andrews said. In 34 places where EWG’s tests found PFAS, contamination had not been publicly reported by the EPA or state environmental agencies. Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases. The chemicals, resistant to breaking down in the environment, are known as perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Calling for more research is one thing; demanding the government figure out and enforce safe levels of these chemicals is another. Only Seattle and Tuscaloosa, Alabama had levels below 1 part per trillion (PPT), the limit EWG recommends. All Rights Reserved. 24 JANUARY 2020 . Maybe even grab yourself a glass of water. For Decades, The Department of Defense Knew Fire Fighting Foams With PFAS Chemicals Were Dangerous But Continued Their Use, For 20-Plus Years, EPA Has Failed To Regulate ‘Forever Chemicals’, For Decades, Polluters Knew PFAS Chemicals Were Dangerous But Hid Risks From Public. Last year, the EPA missed its self-imposed deadline and failed to decide whether to regulate PFAS. Add your voice and let Congress know that you want to stop the spread of PFAS contamination! The EPA has known since at least 2001 about the problem of PFAS in drinking water but has so far failed to set an enforceable, nationwide legal limit. PFAS, resistant to breaking down in the environment, have been linked to cancers, liver damage, low birth weight and other health problems. They build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment. Some are used in a variety of other products and industrial processes, and their replacements also pose risks. Over the years, EWG has encouraged anti-vaccine hysteria and myths around autism, exploited the public's fear of weedkiller, pesticides and pretty much all synthetic compounds, and spurred on the anti-GMO movement. Collecting tap water samples from 44 sites in 32 states and territories, the group says an independent research team found only one location free from any detectable PFAS in the entire US. What the Environmental Working Group is doing - selling guides to avoid PFAS, lowering safety thresholds to the point of mere detection, advising people how to treat their water when there might not be any risk even present - that's something else entirely. The contamination of US drinking water with manmade “forever chemicals” is far worse than previously estimated with some of the highest levels found in Miami, Philadelphia and New Orleans, said a report on Wednesday by an environmental watchdog group. "It's nearly impossible to avoid contaminated drinking water from these chemicals," David Andrews, a senior scientist at EWG, told The Guardian. Decades of heavy use have resulted in contamination of water, soil and the blood of people and animals in the farthest corners of the world. EWG.org | EWG's Guide to Sunscreens | EWG's Food Scores | EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning | EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™, Copyright © 2018. When the House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would force the agency to do so, the Trump administration threatened to veto. For decades, chemical companies covered up evidence of PFAS’ health hazards. If you've been reading the headlines and are suddenly terrified by the "toxic soup" of "forever chemicals" in the water you've been drinking your whole life, it's time to stop, relax and look up the source. Maybe even grab yourself a glass of water. Copyright © 2007-2017, EWG. Testing done by an environmental watchdog shows a class of chemicals called PFAS are … The US Centres for Disease Control and Infection has found that the blood of nearly all Americans might be contaminated with PFAS, indicating widespread exposure - but officials say more research is needed to assess the human health impacts of this exposure. The EPA said early last year it would begin the process to set limits on two of the chemicals, PFOA and PFOS. Contact Us | Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases. A 'forever chemical' contaminates drinking water near military bases . © ScienceAlert Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Some have been linked to cancers, liver damage, low birth weight and other health problems. “It’s nearly impossible to avoid contaminated drinking water from these chemicals,” said David Andrews, a senior scientist at EWG and co-author of the report. The maximum levels listed are from a single point in time and do not reflect whether a water system has changed sources or is treating the water to reduce PFAS levels. For all water systems with a detection of PFOS, PFOA or another PFAS, a maximum concentration for each PFAS and a maximum total PFAS concentration is displayed. Nevertheless, widespread media reports have once again elevated the fear-mongering of EWG. Now, it wants you to think chemicals that could increase cancer risk - known as perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS - have contaminated practically all major water supplies in the US, despite government officials saying everything is fine. TELL WASHINGTON TO STOP THE SPREAD OF PFAS CONTAMINATION!

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