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U.S. drinking water widely contaminated with 'forever chemicals': report (reuters.com)

548 points by pseudolus · 2455 days ago · 391 comments on HN

Article summary

The US drinking water is widely contaminated with 'forever chemicals' known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to various health problems. The contamination is a result of industrial pollution from products like Teflon and firefighting foam. Technologies to remove PFAS from water are available, but they are expensive to deploy. The EPA has set a threshold for PFAS exposure, but some reports suggest that the risk level should be much lower.

Main themes

  • PFAS contamination
  • industrial pollution
  • water filtration
  • health risks
  • regulatory thresholds
  • environmental impact

What commenters say

  • The use of PFAS in various products has led to widespread contamination of drinking water, posing significant health risks to the public.
  • Technologies like reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters can remove PFAS from water, but their deployment is hindered by high costs.
  • Individual actions, such as reducing consumption of certain products, may not be enough to address the scale of the problem, and regulatory changes are needed.
  • The current regulatory thresholds for PFAS exposure may be too lenient, and more stringent standards are required to protect public health.
  • The issue of PFAS contamination is not limited to the US and is a global problem that requires international cooperation to address.
  • Capitalism and the pursuit of economic growth are seen as contributing factors to environmental degradation, including PFAS contamination, and a shift in values and priorities is needed to mitigate these effects.
  • Some argue that reducing consumption and adopting more sustainable lifestyles can help mitigate the problem, while others believe that this approach is insufficient and that more drastic measures are needed.
  • The lack of understanding about the combined effects of multiple chemicals, including PFAS, on human health is a major concern and highlights the need for further research and regulation.