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A groundbreaking study from USC researchers reveals that exposure to manmade “forever chemicals” called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water is associated with a 33% higher risk of developing certain cancers, including digestive, respiratory, and cancer types that differ significantly between men and women.
This U.S.-based study is the first to show a clear link between PFAS exposure and cancer incidence at the county level. PFAS, which are found in plastics, cleaning products, and food packaging, were linked to an increase in rare cancers such as mesothelioma and ovarian cancer over nearly three decades of observation (2016-2021).
For instance, women in areas with higher PFAS levels experienced a 45% increased risk of ovarian cancer, while men saw a significant rise in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study highlights that even low-level exposure to these chemicals can accumulate over time, posing risks to communities across the country.
“Certain PFAS that were less studied need to be monitored more, and regulators need to think about other PFAS that may not be strictly regulated yet,” said lead researcher Shiwen Li.
These findings underscore the importance of regulating PFAS exposure globally to protect public health, as even small amounts can have significant long-term effects on populations, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. The study also calls for further individual-level studies to establish causality and explore underlying biological mechanisms.
From a scientific perspective, this research adds to the mounting evidence that PFAS levels should be limited, and existing regulations may not go far enough. Protecting communities from PFAS exposure is essential as these chemicals continue to find their way into everyday products and environments.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/is-your-drinking-water-safe-common-chemicals-linked-to-rising-cancer-risk