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:
"New Study Links Wastewater Treatment to PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study has revealed a troubling new source of contamination in drinking water for millions of Americans, specifically linked to 'forever chemicals' that primarily stem from prescribed medications. These chemicals, known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are notoriously difficult to break down and have been found in significant quantities in wastewater discharged from treatment plants. Researchers analyzed water samples from eight large publicly owned wastewater facilities across the United States, which collectively serve about 70% of the population. Despite employing advanced treatment technologies, these plants were unable to eliminate many PFAS and related compounds, leading to their discharge into rivers and lakes that ultimately contribute to drinking water supplies. The study estimates that approximately 23 million Americans could be exposed to these chemicals through wastewater alone, raising alarms about the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to PFAS, which have been linked to various health issues, including thyroid dysfunction, infertility, and certain cancers.
The implications of this study are further compounded by the effects of climate change, which may exacerbate the contamination issue. As drought conditions persist, the volume of natural water sources diminishes, while the volume of wastewater generated remains constant. This situation results in a higher concentration of contaminants in the water that is eventually treated for drinking purposes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced regulations aimed at reducing specific PFAS concentrations in drinking water; however, the study found that these regulated chemicals constituted only about 8% of the contaminants detected in the analyzed samples. The majority of the PFAS identified were unregulated substances and pharmaceuticals, which pose a growing concern as they can accumulate in human bodies over time. Experts emphasize the need for further research to identify and mitigate the sources of PFAS, advocating for proactive measures to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment rather than relying solely on advanced treatment technologies to address the contamination after it has occurred.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reveals significant concerns regarding the contamination of drinking water in the United States by "forever chemicals," particularly those originating from pharmaceutical products. This discovery raises alarm bells about the efficacy of wastewater treatment plants and the potential health implications for millions of Americans.
Public Health Implications
The study indicates that about 23 million Americans could be exposed to these persistent chemicals, known as PFAS, primarily through contaminated drinking water. The connection between these substances and various health issues, including thyroid problems and certain cancers, underscores the urgency of addressing this contamination. The report cites the inadequacy of current wastewater treatment technologies in removing these harmful compounds, suggesting a need for improved methods to safeguard public health.
Environmental Concerns
The role of climate change exacerbating the situation is particularly noteworthy. As drought conditions worsen, treated wastewater is projected to contribute a larger portion of drinking water supplies, potentially increasing the exposure risk to these chemicals. This highlights a dual crisis of water scarcity and pollution that could severely impact communities, particularly those relying heavily on treated wastewater.
Potential Manipulation and Public Perception
While the article aims to inform the public about a pressing environmental issue, it might also serve to create a sense of urgency and concern among readers. The framing of "forever chemicals" evokes a strong emotional response, potentially leading to public outcry and demands for regulatory changes. However, it is crucial to consider if there are underlying motives for emphasizing this issue, possibly diverting attention from other environmental or health-related challenges.
Comparative Context
When compared to other environmental health news, this report shares similarities with stories focusing on pollution and public safety. It contributes to a growing narrative about the dangers of industrial chemicals and the inadequacies of regulatory frameworks. The publication source likely aims to position itself as a leader in environmental reporting, enhancing its credibility and influence in public discourse.
Societal Impact
The findings could lead to increased public pressure on policymakers to enact stricter regulations on chemical discharges from industrial sources and improve water treatment protocols. Additionally, it may trigger broader discussions about the responsibility of pharmaceutical companies in contributing to environmental pollution.
Community Engagement
The article is likely to resonate more with environmentally conscious individuals and communities advocating for public health and safety. It may galvanize activists and organizations focused on clean water initiatives, appealing to those who prioritize sustainability and health equity.
Economic and Market Impact
In terms of market implications, companies involved in water purification technologies and environmental remediation might see increased interest and investment following this report. Conversely, industries associated with PFAS production may face scrutiny, potentially affecting their stock prices and public perception.
Geopolitical Relevance
On a larger scale, the contamination of drinking water with persistent chemicals can have implications for national and global water security, especially as climate change continues to challenge traditional water sources. This issue ties into broader discussions about environmental policies and international cooperation on water management.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
It is possible that AI tools were used in the analysis or dissemination of this report, particularly in data processing or identifying trends related to PFAS contamination. However, the writing style appears human-generated, focusing on evoking concern and urgency rather than purely presenting data.
The article serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing environmental health challenges faced by society today. Its reliability lies in the scientific backing of the claims made, but the framing and emotional language may suggest an intent to mobilize public opinion for policy change.