Public health

Are you drinking PFAS?

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 […]

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

Summary
Article Name
Are you drinking PFASs?
Description
Used in fire retardants, oil & water repellents, furniture, waterproof clothes and non-stick cookware, PFAS found in drinking water is a concern for many.
Author
Publisher Name
Labmate Online
Publisher Logo

Recent Posts

Hawaiʻi’s Corals Were Struggling To Survive. Then Came The Mud Floods

Coral reefs already face a litany of threats. Experts say storm runoff from the recent…

3 weeks ago

What’s Eating Iowa?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xqa0B9r7Y8 Iowa water: Pulitzer Prize winner Art Cullen and award-winning cinematographer Jerry Risius have teamed…

4 months ago

Invisible Threats: Understanding Water Contaminants in the U.S.

Clean water is essential for life, yet millions of Americans unknowingly consume contaminants through their…

1 year ago

High levels of microplastics in human brains appear to be increasing

Human brains contain higher concentrations of microplastics than other organs, according to a new study, and the…

1 year ago

California: executive order to help capture and store more water from severe storms

From the Office of the Governor: In anticipation of a multi-day, significant atmospheric river in Northern California,…

1 year ago

Experts give the real facts on California water

From Governor Newsom: Scientists, water managers, state leaders, and experts throughout the state are calling…

1 year ago