[ad_1]
Researchers from an environmental activist group said they discovered more pollutants linked to cancer and other health conditions in drinking water this year across the US than two years ago.
A report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released Wednesday revealed that 324 contaminants were detected in drinking water this year, compared to 268 chemicals identified in tap water by utilities in 2019.
The 56 new chemicals are “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, or Environmental Protection AgencyIt’s the fourth Unregulated Pollutant Monitoring Rule test, which requires water systems to test for new chemicals such as radioactive material and pesticides, according to the EWG.
“NS Environmental Protection Agency“The Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water has demonstrated for decades that America cannot withstand pressure from water utilities and pollutants to protect human health from the dozens of toxic pollutants in drinking water,” said Ken Cook, EWG President. Declaration.
“NS EPA He was very successful in reassuring us that everything was fine with the water constantly running from the ring faucets. This message is like music to the ears of polluters who are cautiously polluting spring waters and water facilities against treatment and infrastructure costs. But that’s not true – and EPA‘s own scientists know this,” said Mr. Cook.
This year’s report is drawn from water quality assessments carried out by approximately 50,000 water authorities across the country.
Contamination from toxic substances, including arsenic, lead and PFAs, is common in tens of millions of households in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the EWG said.
However, the risks are higher in underserved communities, especially those with a higher Black or Latino population, the EWG said.
Washington Times reached the USA EPA for comment.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAs are forever chemically named because they do not decompose in the environment and do not accumulate in blood and organs.
They contain thousands of chemicals and are used to make water, oil and stain resistant coatings for hundreds of consumer goods and industrial applications.
Studies have linked PFAs to increased cancer risk, reduced vaccine efficacy, unhealthy fetal development, weakened childhood immunity, endocrine disruption, increased cholesterol and weight gain in children and dieting adults.
“The latest research shows that many of the current legal limits for tap water contaminants are EPA “Allow levels that could be harmful to children, pregnant women and other vulnerable populations,” said Uloma Uche, EWG’s environmental health science officer. “EPA should review the latest science and set limits to protect health. NS Agency it also needs financing to ensure that local services can meet these limits. Compounds such as PFAs and other emerging pollutants have no legal limits in water. These chemicals need to be regulated urgently.”
[ad_2]
Source link