PFCs Found To Contaminate Water Supplies For 15 Million People

A new study highlights the scope of drinking water contamination by perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in the U.S. The study released last week by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Northeastern University in Boston shows PFCs are found in “drinking water for 15 million Americans in 27 states,” TIME reported. “Of the 47 locations where the source of PFCs contamination in drinking water supplies is known or suspected in the … study, 21 are current or former military bases, 20 are industrial facilities and seven are from civilian firefighting sites. Some locations have multiple sources,” the Detroit Free Press reported.

The research project includes an interactive map highlighting where PFCs have been detected. Bill Walker, co-author of the report and managing editor of EWG, explained how this study breaks ground. “For the first time we’re reporting the full results of the EPA water testing, as well as known industrial spills and sites with military contamination, to provide a complete picture of where these PFCs are detected,” he said in a statement. The U.S. EPA issued a health advisory last year about exposure to perfluorinated compounds as various towns wage high-profile battles against the pollutants. PFCs are […]

Full article: PFCs Found To Contaminate Water Supplies For 15 Million People

More about PFCs in water:

Well water users warned, Air Force Academy finds toxic level of firefighting chemical

North metro Denver groundwater contaminated with PFCs flows to 50,000 residents

Federal Report: PFCs More Dangerous Than Previously Believed

New Jersey seeks stricter limit on chemicals, PFCs in drinking water

Rhode Island is checking water for chemical contamination — PFCs, PFOA, PFOS

DoD admits water at U.S. military bases contains cancer-causing chemicals

PFAS1 found in drinking water wells in unexpected places