Hispanic communities are disproportionately affected by unregulated contaminants in drinking water, with higher levels of unsafe chemicals and greater proximity to pollution sources compared to other groups. A recent study by Silent Spring Institute found that nearly one-third of people in the US have been exposed to these contaminants, with PFAS being a major concern due to its association with cancer, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol.
The study analyzed data from 4,815 public water systems and found that communities with higher proportions of Hispanic and Black residents were more likely to be exposed to these contaminants. The source of the contamination is industrial sites and waste from industries, including consumer products like non-stick chemicals and ozone-depleting gases.
Experts emphasize that this issue has been ongoing for decades and is not solely a racial problem. The article highlights redlining policies and restrictive covenants as historical examples of discriminatory practices that contributed to unequal access to basic human needs.
Silent Spring Institute acknowledges funding from various organizations, including the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and charitable donations.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/97-million-people-at-risk-unregulated-toxins-found-in-u-s-drinking-water-toxic-water-crisis-new-study-finds-1-in-4-americans-at-risk-1-in-4-americans-at-risk-scientists-sound-alarm-on-widesp