Summary:
- The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that millions of Americans may be drinking water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment.
- PFAS are a class of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams, and have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive problems.
- The USGS study found that PFAS are present in groundwater and drinking water sources across the United States, and that the contamination is more widespread than previously thought, affecting both public water systems and private wells.