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Posted on 8th July 2023 |
Show only this post Show all posts in this thread (the environment). |
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A recent study on tap water quality is reported on by Reuters and the Daily Mail (the Daily Mail article is more comprehensive). The study shows that nearly half (45%) of the 700 tested tap water samples were polluted with PFAS (perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as forever chemicals because they do not degrade in the environment nor in human or animal bodies, at levels exceeding safety benchmarks and U.S. proposed regulations (the EPA does not yet have enforceable regulations for PFAS). PFAS are highly toxic and carcinogenic (cancer causing). PFAS are used in textiles, fire suppressant foams (used extensively by firefighters at airfields), non-stick cookware, etc. One sample, in Brunswick County, North Carolina, contained 46,000 times the proposed EPA limit! Other pollution hot spots include a region in Iowa, Philadelphia and Miami; I have friends in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida. Americans don't drink so much bottled water, because tap water is cheaper (free in bars and restaurants), and most of them don't like sparkling water. They might want to think again about those choices. The next time I am in the US and someone criticises me for drinking bottled (sparkling) water they are going to get an earful. | |