A new study has linked per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to a significant increase in cancer diagnoses among communities with contaminated drinking water. The research found that individuals living in areas with PFAS contamination face up to a 33% higher risk of developing certain cancers, including those affecting the digestive system, respiratory system, and mouth and throat.
The study’s findings are concerning, as PFAS chemicals have been known for their durability and persistence in the environment and human bodies. Once introduced in the 1940s, PFAS have become widespread, with applications in non-stick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foams, and water-resistant clothing. As these products break down, PFAS leach into soil, water, and eventually the bloodstream.
The primary routes of exposure are diet and drinking water. Between 2016 and 2021, drinking water contaminated with PFAS was estimated to contribute to as many as 7,000 cancer diagnoses annually in the United States alone. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed a particular PFAS, PFBS, less toxic, but scientists argue that further research is needed.
The study’s findings highlight the need for stricter monitoring and regulation of PFAS. Their ability to wreak havoc on human tissue makes them particularly dangerous, even at low doses. Researchers stress that the evidence is strong enough to justify immediate regulatory action. The study serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need to address the impact of PFAS and find safer alternatives.
Source: https://bgr.com/science/forever-chemicals-in-our-drinking-water-have-now-been-linked-to-cancer