Millions of people across the U.S. are now drinking water contaminated with PFAS chemicals, according to newly released federal testing data.
Jasmine Laws reports for Newsweek.
In short:
- The EPA’s ongoing national water monitoring effort found PFAS contamination in water systems serving seven million more people than previously reported.
- The findings come from the agency’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5), which tests for 29 types of PFAS compounds and will continue through 2026.
- Experts say PFAS contamination is likely underreported and expect it to grow, as the chemicals are widespread, highly persistent, and difficult to remove from the environment.
Key quote:
"PFAS contamination is both widespread and underreported."
— Vasilis Vasiliou, chair and professor of environmental health sciences, Yale School of Public Health
Why this matters:
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in countless consumer products for their resistance to water, oil, and heat. But what makes them useful also makes them dangerous. They don’t break down easily, and they’ve been linked to a growing list of health concerns, including cancer, developmental delays in children, immune system suppression, and liver damage. These “forever chemicals” can travel through water, air, and even rain, contaminating drinking water supplies for years or decades. Because the chemicals build up over time in the body, even low-level, long-term exposure can raise health risks. The scope and persistence of PFAS contamination raise serious concerns for public health and environmental safety, especially as new sources continue to be discovered.
Related EHN coverage: Millions in the U.S. may rely on PFAS-contaminated drinking water
