A recent study indicates that more than 20 percent of people in the continental United States are consuming drinking water contaminated with harmful substances called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as “forever chemicalsThe findings, published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in the October 24 issue of Science Advances, revealed that 75 to 95 million Americans depend on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of these chemicals.

The lead investigator, Andrea Tokranov, a hydrologist with the USGS, expressed concern over the findings, saying, “The results of this study indicate broad PFAS contamination In groundwater used for both public and private drinking water supplies in the United States. These findings are particularly troubling, given the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

To help the public understand their risk, the USGS has developed an interactive online map that allows people to check the likelihood of groundwater contamination in their specific areas. Tokranov explained the importance of this tool, saying, “This new predictive model can help prioritize areas for future sampling to ensure people are not unknowingly drinking alcohol.” contaminated waterThis is especially important for private well users who may lack information about water quality and have limited access to testing and treatment resources compared to public water supplies.

The study analyzed more than 1,200 groundwater samples collected by USGS scientists to detect 24 common types of PFAS. The results identified the most frequently found compounds, including perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). Tokranov explained that this data enabled the researchers to develop a detailed machine-learning model to identify geographic areas more likely to have PFAS contamination. This model was integrated with existing USGS research to estimate populations dependent on groundwater for drinking.

Researchers identified Florida and California as the states where the highest number of people depend on public water supplies derived from contaminated groundwater. In contrast, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio were states where significant populations depended on private wells that may also be contaminated by PFAS.

The study also provides population estimates for PFAS exposure through groundwater for each state. For example, in Massachusetts, 86 percent to 98 percent of people who use public water supplies may be exposed to PFAS from contaminated sources. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, 67 percent to 87 percent of residents living on private wells are potentially consuming PFAS-contaminated drinking water.

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they link carbon and fluorine molecules, forming one of the strongest chemical bonds possible. This makes PFAS very difficult to remove and break down. Researchers said PFAS compounds have been used in consumer products since the 1940s, including firefighting foam, nonstick cookware and food wrappers. Chemicals are also widely used in industrial processes. Health concerns associated with PFAS include reduced immune response to vaccination, impaired liver function, reduced birth weight, and increased risk of certain cancers. The US Environmental Protection Agency has set maximum contamination levels for six types of PFAS in drinking water, the researchers said.

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