According to a study by Harvard University, more than 16 million residents in America regularly drink water that is contaminated with toxic chemicals from military and industrial sites. The toxic chemicals in question are poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances – also known as PFAS.
Typically used in fire retardants, oil & water repellents, furniture, waterproof clothes and non-stick cookware, the high number of PFASs found in drinking water is a concern for many. The study, published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters, found PFASs in water systems that serve over 16 million people across 33 states in America.
What are PFAS?
Essentially, PFAS are a family of man-made chemicals, including:
- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
- perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
- perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- perfluordecanoic acid (PFDeA)
With a number of useful properties, such as the ability to repel water, prevent staining and increase heat resistance, these chemicals are widely used within the manufacturing industries.
PFAS contamination
PFAS can be found in the air, soil and water. The polluted substances will break down in the air, fall into the soil and eventually end up in the water system. However, once the chemicals enter the soil and water, they will […]
Full article: Are you drinking PFASs?
More about: forever chemicals (PFAS, etc.), pollution, and public health
More about: water and the U.S. Military
More about: forever chemicals (PFAS, etc.), pollution, and public health
