{"id":117598,"date":"2023-07-28T14:10:34","date_gmt":"2023-07-28T18:10:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savethewater.org\/?p=117598"},"modified":"2023-08-03T12:00:23","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T16:00:23","slug":"forever-chemicals-found-in-nearly-half-of-us-faucets-a-new-study-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savethewater.org\/forever-chemicals-found-in-nearly-half-of-us-faucets-a-new-study-says\/","title":{"rendered":"“Forever Chemicals” Found in Nearly Half of US Faucets, A New Study Says"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Samhar Almomani, Publishing Associate<\/span>: Researcher and Writer<\/span> at Save the Water\u2122 | July 28, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n

“Forever Chemicals,” or PFAS\u2014per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances\u2014chemicals, were found in nearly half of US faucets, <\/span>according to a study conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS)<\/span><\/a>. This federal study is considered one of the most comprehensive of its kind. Specifically, it shows the risks of exposure to forever chemicals in the drinking water supply of many citizens. These chemicals pose special risks due to the array of items they show up in, <\/span>such as nonstick pans and food packaging<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

There were no policy suggestions in the report because of the agency\u2019s status as a scientific research agency. However, the study<\/span> shares important information that can be used to better understand the risk of exposure<\/span><\/a> to these chemicals. Furthermore, it can aid in making decisions about the need to test or treat drinking water supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are Forever Chemicals?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Forever chemicals <\/span>are a class of chemicals often added to products to make them grease proof, waterproof, stick-proof, or stain-resistant<\/span><\/a>. They\u2019re found in many items that people use daily , <\/span>which makes them especially dangerous<\/span><\/a>. These include carpets, umbrellas, medical equipment and masks, and<\/span> numerous other products<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The term “forever chemicals” refers to the fact that they <\/span>often resist breakdown in the environment and in our bodies<\/span><\/a>. As a result, not only are they widespread but they also may take decades to start breaking down. Manufacturers aren’t mandated to disclose to consumers that they are using forever chemical. <\/span>Therefore, it is difficult to fully grasp the extent to which these chemicals enter our lives.<\/span><\/a> The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t have any regulations and doesn’t test for most forever chemicals. For this reason, <\/span>they could be more widespread than we think<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although the study focused on drinking contaminated water, there are several ways exposure to forever chemicals can occur:<\/span><\/p>\n