The widespread presence of PFAS "forever chemicals" in water, air, and soil is fueling a public health crisis, with contaminated sewage sludge spreading the pollution even further.
Mark Ruffalo writes for The Guardian.
In short:
- PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and have been linked to cancer, immune disorders, and developmental issues.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) previously allowed sewage sludge containing PFAS to be spread on farmland, contaminating soil and groundwater; now, much of it is incinerated, releasing more pollutants into the air.
- Despite recognizing the risks, the EPA has yet to implement strong regulations to curb PFAS pollution at its source.
Key quote:
"Dark Waters was meant to be a cautionary tale; instead, it has become the future we keep choosing."
— Mark Ruffalo, actor and environmental activist who starred and co-produced the 2019 film Dark Waters about a landmark lawsuit against the chemical manufacturer Dupont over PFAS contamination in a West Virginia town
Why this matters:
Known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally, PFAS accumulate in water sources, food supplies, and human bodies. Studies have linked them to an array of serious health conditions, including cancer, immune system suppression, and reproductive harm. Government regulations have struggled to keep pace, leaving millions exposed.
With nearly every person in the U.S. carrying traces of PFAS in their blood, the urgency of the issue is clear. Yet industries continue producing and using these chemicals, raising difficult questions about accountability and the long-term consequences of their persistence in the environment.
Related EHN coverage: States move to cement PFAS protections amid fears of federal rollbacks
