A recent publication by the US Geological Survey has uncovered a concerning finding: approximately 45% of all tap water in the United States contains at least one toxic endocrine-disrupting chemical known as polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their slow degradation process, pose a significant risk to human health. The study further reveals that urban areas are more susceptible, with 75% of samples collected from cities containing PFAS. Surprisingly, contamination levels were similar between public and private water supplies, affecting both rural and urban communities.
Alarmingly, all measured levels of PFAS compounds exceeded the health advisory levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Despite the comprehensive sampling efforts by the USGS, which tested tap water from 716 different kitchen sinks for 32 types of PFAS, the agency acknowledged the existence of over 12,000 variations, many of which cannot be detected with current testing methods. This suggests that the problem is likely even more pervasive than indicated by the report.
PFAS are commonly used in the production of nonstick pans, fire extinguisher foam, grease-resistant food wrappings, and other household items. However, their popularity has waned due to growing awareness of their detrimental impact on human health. Disturbingly, this awareness came decades after the manufacturers of these chemicals were already aware that they were contaminating groundwater and accumulating in human bodies.
Scientific studies have established the harmful effects of PFAS on both humans and animals. These chemicals have been linked to decreased fertility, developmental problems in children, cancer, high cholesterol, liver and kidney disease, and disruption of the endocrine system. Due to their resistance to degradation, PFAS accumulate in the body, meaning each successive generation carries a higher burden of these substances in their tissues. Regrettably, the vast majority of Americans have detectable levels of these forever chemicals in their bloodstreams.
Despite mounting evidence, manufacturers of PFAS such as DuPont and 3M have steadfastly denied any harm caused by their products. These companies, investing millions of dollars in lobbying Congress, have successfully thwarted initiatives to ban PFAS, including the one that passed the House in 2021, except for a few limited exceptions in states like Maine.
In a significant development, California filed a lawsuit against 18 PFAS manufacturers in November, alleging that they had prior knowledge of the toxic and harmful nature of their products but deliberately concealed this information from consumers. Settlements exceeding $1 billion were reached this year by companies like 3M, Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva concerning their awareness of the health effects of PFAS. However, these settlements were structured in a way that did not require an admission of liability. Nonetheless, 3M has committed to discontinuing the production of PFAS by the end of 2025.
