A group of potentially toxic “forever chemicals,” mostly coming from prescribed drugs, may be contaminating drinking water for millions of Americans, as wastewater treatment plants fail to remove them — and climate change may be making the situation even worse, according to a new report. Scientists analyzed water samples flowing through eight large publicly owned wastewater plants across the US, all of similar size and using similar technologies to those serving 70% of the population. Even with advanced treatment technologies, they found forever chemicals and compounds able to transform into them were being discharged into rivers and lakes where they can reenter the drinking water supply. Roughly 23 million Americans could be exposed to these forever chemicals from wastewater alone, the study found. “We’re identifying really large amounts of chemicals that we know very little about,” said Bridger Ruyle, an environmental engineering scientist at NYU and an author of the study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is especially concerning as treated wastewater is expected to make up an increasing proportion of drinking water supplies as climate change-fueled drought shrinks water sources, Ruyle told CNN. Forever chemicals are so-called for their ability to stay in the environment — and in people’s bodies — for a very long time without breaking down. There are nearly 15,000 of them, known collectively as PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Since the 1950s, PFAS have been used in a huge range of consumer products, prized for their ability to resist oil, grease, heat and water. They make clothes waterproof, carpets stain-resistant and pans non-stick. But their prolific use has come at a cost. Even at very low levels, they have been linked to a range of health conditions, including thyroid problems, infertility and some cancers. People are exposed to PFAS in many ways, but drinking water is an important one. Almost half the tap water in the US is contaminated, according to a 2023 study. Wastewater treatment plants play a major role, Ruyle said. They receive PFAS-contaminated water from homes and industry and about 50% of drinking water plants in the US are downstream from one of them, he added. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency introduced rules to dramatically reduce concentrations of six PFAS in drinking water. However, the study found the chemicals the EPA regulates made up only about 8% of the potentially hazardous compounds found in the water samples analyzed. The majority comprised unregulated chemicals including other PFAS and pharmaceuticals. Drug companies use compounds classified as PFAS because they are very hard to degrade, Ruyle said. This can increase the concentration of drugs in people’s bodies. While that’s an advantage for the effectiveness of the drugs, it’s a problem everywhere else. A molecule that’s hard to degrade in the body, is also hard to degrade in a wastewater plant or in rivers and lakes, Ruyle said. The study also found climate change could increase exposure. Lakes and rivers shrink during drought, but the amount of wastewater humans produce does not, Ruyle said. This means there is less natural water to dilute the chemicals in wastewater before it enters drinking water plants. In many parts of the country, especially those susceptible to drought, water reuse is already an important source of drinking water, said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, which monitors exposure to chemicals including PFAS. “These water systems are particularly vulnerable,” said Andrews, who was not involved in the study. “This study highlights how wastewater treatment plants are not currently equipped to clean up the contamination,” he told CNN. Denis O’Carroll, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of New South Wales, also not involved in the research, said the study “suggests that many PFAS go undetected using traditional laboratory methods.” He told CNN the analysis was consistent with his own recent research which found PFAS levels in surface and groundwater around the world are being underestimated. The study is also significant because it quantifies different sources of PFAS at wastewater treatment plants and finds those from pharmaceuticals “may be of concern,” he said. It’s important to understand the sources of PFAS in order to reduce them he added. Much more research is still needed, Ruyle said. “There is a really large universe of PFAS that are much more prevalent, that are being found at these major sources, (and) we need to get an understanding of what their own health risks are,” he said. There are actions people can take, including filtering tap water. But experts say the best solution is find ways to stop PFAS entering the environment in the first place. “We need to address the problem at the source,” Ruyle said, “rather than installing even more advanced, more expensive, more resource-intensive technologies at drinking water utilities or asking people to buy specialized home treatment systems.”
Scientists discover concerning new source of ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Reveals Pharmaceutical Sources of PFAS Contaminating U.S. Drinking Water"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study has revealed that potentially hazardous 'forever chemicals,' particularly those originating from prescribed medications, may be contaminating drinking water for millions of Americans. These chemicals, collectively known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are notorious for their persistence in the environment and in human bodies, remaining intact for extended periods. Researchers analyzed water samples from eight large wastewater treatment plants across the United States, which serve approximately 70% of the population. Despite the use of advanced treatment technologies, the study found that these plants were discharging significant amounts of PFAS and related compounds into rivers and lakes, thereby reintroducing them into the drinking water supply. The findings suggest that around 23 million people could be exposed to these chemicals through wastewater alone, raising serious public health concerns given the association of PFAS with various health issues, including thyroid disorders, infertility, and certain cancers.
The study also highlights the exacerbating effects of climate change on this issue, as drought conditions lead to a decrease in natural water sources, which in turn reduces the dilution of wastewater contaminants before they enter drinking water systems. With nearly half of the tap water in the U.S. reported to be contaminated with PFAS, the implications for public health are alarming. Current regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) target only six specific PFAS, which comprise merely 8% of the hazardous compounds identified in the study. The majority of the contaminants are unregulated substances, including various pharmaceuticals that are difficult to break down in both the environment and the human body. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive research to better understand the sources and health risks associated with the myriad of PFAS present in wastewater. While filtering tap water can mitigate exposure, a more effective long-term solution would involve addressing the root causes of PFAS contamination at their source, rather than relying solely on technological fixes at water treatment facilities.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent report highlights a troubling discovery regarding the contamination of drinking water by "forever chemicals," primarily stemming from prescription drugs. As wastewater treatment plants struggle to eliminate these substances, millions of Americans may be at risk. The implications of this finding are significant, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety.
Environmental and Public Health Concerns
The study indicates that advanced treatment technologies at wastewater facilities are not sufficient to remove these harmful chemicals, known as PFAS. The assertion that roughly 23 million Americans could be exposed to these substances through drinking water is alarming. The health risks associated with PFAS, including thyroid problems, infertility, and various cancers, compound the urgency of the situation. This news may aim to raise public awareness and prompt action from policymakers regarding water safety regulations.
Potential Manipulation and Distrust
While the report presents scientific findings, the language used can evoke fear and concern among the public. By emphasizing the term "forever chemicals" and the health implications tied to their presence, the article may create a sense of urgency that could lead to panic or distrust in water safety. This approach can be interpreted as manipulative, especially if it oversimplifies complex scientific data or fails to provide context about existing safety measures.
Link to Broader Issues
The mention of climate change exacerbating the problem connects this issue to a larger narrative about environmental crises. The report suggests that as droughts increase due to climate change, reliance on treated wastewater will grow, potentially heightening exposure to these chemicals. This connection may serve to mobilize community action against climate change and advocate for better environmental policies.
Community Reactions and Support
This report is likely to resonate more with environmental activists, public health advocates, and communities already concerned about pollution and water safety. It may galvanize support for stricter regulations on chemical discharges from pharmaceutical companies and wastewater treatment facilities.
Economic and Political Implications
The potential health risks highlighted in the report could lead to increased scrutiny of pharmaceutical companies and water management practices. This scrutiny may have economic repercussions, impacting the stock prices of companies involved in water treatment and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the political landscape may shift as constituents demand accountability from representatives regarding water safety.
Global Context and Current Relevance
In the larger context of global health and environmental issues, this report underscores the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks. With increasing public interest in environmental health following events like climate change discussions, this topic is timely and relevant. It reflects ongoing concerns about pollution and public health in the current global agenda.
Use of AI in Reporting
While it’s speculative, aspects of the report's analysis could have been enhanced by AI tools, particularly in data analysis and summarization. AI models might assist in interpreting complex scientific data or predicting public sentiment based on existing research. If AI was employed, it may have directed the focus towards alarming statistics, thereby influencing the narrative tone.
In conclusion, while the report is grounded in scientific research, its framing and language may evoke fear and urgency, potentially manipulating public perception. The reliability of the information hinges on the accuracy of the scientific methods used and the contextualization of the health risks involved.