Thanks to the viral "big, dumb cups" called Stanley Quenchers that drive Karen's into a frenzy at Target and an emerging hydration-focused subculture with their recipes for water, H2O is having its moment. But while we've been preoccupied with the newest, holiday color wrap on a stainless-steel tumbler and which packet of fruity water-enhancer claiming miraculous hydration and health benefits to fill the full 40-ounces, companies have been dumping "forever chemicals" (known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS) into our tap water at an alarming rate that shocked the EPA into immediate action which is not an easy thing to do. The final rule on the proposed new drinking water limits for six types of PFAS should be announced any day now. Don't breathe a sigh of relief and give the EPA a little shoutout until you read the next paragraph.
In the summer of 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey released the results from a first-of-its-kind study that tested for PFAS in tap water nationwide. USGS scientists collected water directly out of the kitchen faucet in 716 locations nationwide and tested those water samples for forever chemicals. The results are staggering and what's even more shocking is the lack of media attention. (Anyone, anyone?) The 2023 USGS study found 45% of the nation's tap water is estimated to have one or more PFAS. In a follow-up global groundwater study, in locations with no known source of contamination, 31% of the samples exceeded threshold limits set by the EPA and nearly 70% exceeded standards set by Health Canada. But wait there's more ... the USGS study could only test for 32 different types of PFAS. There are currently 12,000 types of PFAS! That leaves 11,968 forever chemicals that went untested. (Yes, you remembered that number correctly. The EPA is limiting six.)
What's a "forever chemical" and why should I care?
Just as their nickname suggests, PFAS are the cockroaches of chemicals - they don't die. These synthetic chemicals were discovered in the 1930s and have multiplied since to create household names like Teflon and Scotchgard. Because no one thought of regulating these things for at least 70 years after they were discovered, PFAS are in everything including not-so-obvious products like makeup, menstrual products, disposable contact lenses, dental floss, take-out food wrappers, and waterproof clothing.
Directly from their website, the CDC cited peer-reviewed studies that have shown PFAS exposure leads to the following:
Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity
That list from the CDC is markedly incomplete and insufficient. The number of diseases in both children and adults that are linked directly to PFAS is morbid. If you would like to learn more or are looking for something specific, I have included additional information in the Resources section at the end of the post.
Now what?
Are you feeling a bit like Sigourney Weaver in Aliens right about now? While the solution lies in the people using these chemicals, there are things you can do to limit your toxic burden. First things first, sell the Stanley collection and buy yourself a reverse osmosis water filter with remineralization. They run as low as $200 or approximately four tumblers. These water filters are the best at removing everything including PFAS which is why you need to add minerals back into the water after you filter it. The key is to change the filter regularly. Like your body, PFAS chemicals will overwhelm the filter and you'll wind up having more chemicals in your filtered water than in the tap. Secondly, spend some time researching the products you are using on yourself and your family. There are a host of websites that have done the tedious work for you, including the EWG. Lastly, it's all about the diet and exercise. Eat a diet high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber to protect your body from recurring damage. Move regularly and sauna like the Finns to encourage sweating and circulation.
Resources:
PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Are Pervasive in Water Worldwide, Study Finds - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and immunity, allergic response, infection, and asthma in children: review of epidemiologic studies - PMC (nih.gov)
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