New study reveals unsafe toxic levels of chemicals in drinking water of 33 states

by: | January 4, 2017
New study reveals unsafe toxic levels of chemicals in drinking water of 33 states
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(NaturalHealth365) The toxic chemicals perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) have been found in alarming levels in drinking water around the United States. In fact, they exceed safe levels that have been set by the Environmental Protection Agency, and are threatening the health of over 6 million people around the country.

This disturbing news was uncovered by research teams from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and published August 9 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.

Drinking water alert: Toxic chemicals have been leaching into groundwater for 60 years

PFASs are associated with industrial waste and are found in numerous commercial and industrial products including clothing, cookware and plastic wrappers. They had been released into the environment for six decades by companies without full awareness of their toxicity, effects on drinking water, or impact on human health.

While some major companies have agreed to stop using or producing components containing PFAS, many still do. Both past and current use of these toxic chemicals have already caused many unwanted health effects in people, the environment and animals. Some of the health problems caused in humans include hormonal imbalances, obesity, high cholesterol and many forms of cancer.

Industrial sites and firefighting foam major causes of contamination

Drinking water is a major channel through which people can be exposed to PFAS. Discharges from industrial sites, wastewater treatment plants, military fire-training sites, airports and anywhere firefighting foam is used are some of the top sources of PFAS. Unbelievably, some of the waste products from industrial plants is even made into fertilizer. (How sickening is that?!)

All of these sources can cause PFAS to end up in the groundwater and contaminate drinking water. This recent study confirmed that PFAS were detectable in nearly 200 of 4,864 water supplies in 33 U.S. states. The following 13 states make up 75 percent of the polluted drinking water, in the order of the frequency of pollutant detection: California, New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Georgia, Minnesota, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Illinois.

The compounds found in the drinking water of these states are considered ‘immunotoxicants’ and can be particularly harmful to children. Recent research has also found that Environmental Protection Agency guidelines are too liberal in terms of what is truly safe for human exposure.

Exposure to PFAS and other toxic chemicals can suppress immune system

PFAS exposure is linked with a reduced immune system response including suppressed antibody levels. Children exposed to PFAS were at higher risk for tetanus and diphtheria even if they were immunized for these diseases.

Activism against the use of PFAS and other chemicals harmful to drinking water and human health can help to reduce their presence in the environment. Meanwhile, consumers really ought to consider the use of a water purification system and/or locate a source for reliably clean, natural spring water.

Naturally, for best results (and certainty), all water consumed should be tested for safety and purity; plus – not a bad idea – is to get a home TDS (total dissolved solids) meter, which can verify water quality. (a TDS score of 20 – 40 is pretty good)

Editor’s note: We, at NaturalHealth365, support the use of a Berkey Water Purification System – to remove all unwanted chemicals and debris from your water and/or drinking pure spring water like, Tourmaline Spring. (it’s delicious!)

References:

Unsafe levels of toxic chemicals found in drinking water of 33 states

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