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Top Stories of 2019: PFAS Pollution Puts Drinking Water for Tens of Millions at Risk
The feature film "Dark Waters" exposed the scandal that Congress and the President are ignoring. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS contamination is now found at 1,361 locations in 49 states -- and in a variety of sources including community water systems, groundwater sources, military bases, airports, and industrial sites. According to EWG’s analysis of unreleased EPA data, "more than 100 million Americans may have PFAS in their drinking water." It's also been found in rainwater, and even in compostable containers from fast-food restaurants.
Why This Matters: Think twice before you drink water from a tap in much of the country.
- Almost one-third of Americans may be drinking water with PFAS in it. The EPA does not regulate this "forever" chemical that never breaks down once released into the environment, and that builds up in our blood and organs.
- And scientists have warned that even low doses of PFAS chemicals in drinking water have been linked to many serious health problems such as an increased risk of cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, liver and thyroid disease.
- Meanwhile, despite some minimal progress on phasing out the use of PFAS on military installations, Congress has thus far been unable to pass legislation to force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit PFAS contamination or clean up the hundreds of toxic sites nationwide.
Companies could also do the right thing and filter out the PFAS but they won't because they are not required to do so. Shame on everyone involved in the poisoning of our drinking water or failing to do anything about it.
- But people like our Hero of the Week, Tracy Danzey, who lost a leg to cancer she believes was caused by PFAS exposure, are inspiring many to take action. She walked across Denmark to try to fight a new wave of pollution in West Virginia.
Ruffalo Exposes Dupont's PFAS Legacy Read more...
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