Advertisement

Increased Incidence of PFAS in Drinking Water a Growing Concern

Chemicals found in water samples across 49 states

August 11, 2021

Are you confident in the safety of your facility’s drinking water? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), colorless and tasteless man-made chemicals commonly used in hundreds of consumer products, have been a growing concern for drinking water safety in recent years, ABC News reports.

Commonly associated with firefighting foam, PFAS also are found in stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products, polishes, waxes, paints, and cleaning products. PFAS are very persistent in the environment and in the human body—they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects, including high cholesterol levels and cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancer. Exposure to PFAS also has been linked to negative effects on the immune system and liver and low infant birth weights.

Although the health concerns around PFAS are not new, there has been an increased detection of the chemicals in water systems nationwide. PFAS have been found in the water samples of 2,790 communities across 49 states, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an independent research and consumer watchdog organization pushing to limit exposure to chemicals through water, food, and household products. In July, the city of Tucson, Arizona, abruptly shut down a major water treatment facility that delivered drinking water to 60,000 residents because of a sudden surge in PFAS contamination.

These incidences have begun to alarm state and local leaders and prompted Congress to consider urgent action.

For more information: 

PFAS 101: Everything You Need to Know About ‘Forever Chemicals’
https://www.ecowatch.com/pfas-forever-chemicals-explainer.html 

Latest Articles

Erkelman
November 22, 2024 Jeff Cross

Konstantin Ekelman’s ISSA Rising Star Award Story

November 20, 2024 Marie Wickham

Sustainable Approaches for Managing Construction and Demolition Waste

November 19, 2024 Jeff Cross

Incoming ISSA President Laurie Sewell’s Focus on the Future

Sponsored Articles

Give Your Customers an Advantage With Revo Dispensers
October 30, 2024

Give Your Customers an Advantage With Revo Dispensers

October 30, 2024 Sponsored by TROJAN BATTERY

Floorcare Equipment Batteries for All Performance & Budget Needs

October 29, 2024 Sponsored by SCA TISSUE'S TORK BRAND

Better Hygiene, Better Business

Recent News

Libby

From Hiring to PFAS, Education Moves to the Expo Floor at the ISSA Show

ISSA Show North America 2024 Announces Innovation Award Winners

IEHA’s Housekeeping Olympics Winners Show Cleaning Spirit