Cities plagued by higher concentrations of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in tap water also experience above-average rates of disease and pregnancy issues, according to an analysis conducted by DailyMail.com. The Environmental Working Group has identified numerous cities suffering from PFAS contamination in public and private water supplies. These areas exhibit higher rates of cancer diagnoses, cancer-related deaths, and low birth weights in infants. Experts deem these findings concerning and recommend a comprehensive national study to determine the extent of the health problems caused by PFAS contamination. However, it is important to note that although there is a correlation, it does not establish a causation relationship between PFAS levels and health issues.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are artificial chemicals that remain in the environment and human bodies for thousands of years, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” While they have been tentatively linked to various health problems, including cancer and pregnancy complications, the scientific community has not definitively proven these connections. The cities portrayed on the map are just a small portion of locations identified as having high PFAS concentrations in drinking water.
Most cities labeled by the Environmental Working Group as having high PFAS levels in the water supply witness cancer diagnoses exceeding the national average of 439 cases per 100,000 people annually. Similarly, cancer-related deaths are also higher in these areas, with specific cancer types such as kidney and testicular cancers showing stronger ties to PFAS exposure. While the correlation is suggestive of a connection, it is necessary to consider other factors such as poverty, obesity rates, access to healthcare, smoking, and alcohol consumption that also influence disease rates.
Babies born with low birth weight face elevated risks of birth defects, respiratory issues, and infections. PFAS exposure begins at birth and persists throughout an individual’s life, making a woman’s exposure prior to pregnancy just as crucial as exposure during pregnancy. Unfortunately, PFAS compounds are pervasive in modern society, found in everyday items like nonstick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They infiltrate water supplies through various sources, including industrial runoff, military bases, agriculture that utilizes PFAS-laden pesticides, and sewage treatment plants.
While the evidence linking elevated PFAS rates with health issues is not conclusive, it is undoubtedly suggestive. Several of the identified cities witness higher cancer rates, with Brunswick County and Quad Cities experiencing rates significantly exceeding the national average. PFOA, one of roughly 12,000 PFAS chemicals, has been extensively studied and linked to kidney and testicular cancers. Research also indicates a possible connection between PFOA and breast cancer. PFAS compounds have also been associated with fatty liver disease, high cholesterol levels, and increased rates of babies born underweight.
A comprehensive solution to eliminate PFAS from water sources necessitates significant reforms, including the prohibition of specific insecticides and pesticides in agriculture that contribute to PFAS contamination. Similar to the national efforts to eradicate lead contamination, eliminating PFAS will require substantial investment and commitment. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed stricter national drinking water standards for PFAS, aiming for a maximum of four parts per trillion, compared to the previous suggestion of 70 parts per trillion.
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