Remove the ‘forever chemicals’ from our drinking water

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has revealed alarming information about the quality of drinking water in the United States. It shows that approximately 50% of the drinking water is contaminated with dangerous chemicals known as “forever chemicals” or PFAS. These substances have been linked to the development of cancer and other health issues. Southern California is one of the regions in the country with a higher probability of tap water being contaminated with PFAS.

This discovery is particularly concerning for communities that are already struggling with pollution from other sources. In Los Angeles County, several cities including Commerce, Montebello, Monterey Park, Vernon, and Downey have reported PFAS levels in their water that exceed the recommended limits, as early as 2019.

Responding to this issue, Los Angeles County supervisors have launched an initiative to assess the full extent of PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies. While this is a positive first step, it is crucial for state and local authorities to take further action to ensure that drinking water is free from these harmful chemicals. PFAS can be found in many household products, including cookware and cosmetics.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified PFAS as an “emerging contaminant” in 2016. However, there is limited knowledge about the disparities of PFAS contamination in different ethnic communities and the specific harm it may cause in these communities.

At the University of Southern California, researchers have recently launched a study to investigate the health effects of PFAS contamination in drinking water in Los Angeles County. The study focuses on predominantly Latino communities in the east and southeast areas that are already burdened with environmental pollution. It is a multidisciplinary effort involving researchers from USC’s medical and engineering schools. The goal is to develop prevention strategies and cost-effective solutions to remediate PFAS contamination on a large scale.

Lead researcher Lida Chatzi, director of USC’s Center for Translational Research on Environmental Health, highlights the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure. Previous research has linked PFAS exposure to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, developmental disorders, and various forms of cancer. The new study aims to examine the effects of newer PFAS compounds that have been developed as replacements for the harmful ones.

Government authorities have long been aware of the risks posed by PFAS, as these chemicals have been detected in both humans and animals. PFAS can be found in numerous commercial and industrial products, including nonstick cooking pans, water-repellent outerwear, non-stain food packaging, and firefighting foam.

While the Biden administration has proposed national drinking water standards for six types of PFAS, there are over 12,000 variations of these chemicals. California has recently implemented bans on the use of PFAS in various products, but scientists argue that more comprehensive actions are necessary. Contamination of PFAS is widespread and requires coordinated efforts from multiple government agencies to regulate PFAS levels in water systems, remove existing PFAS at a large scale, and prevent future contamination.

The persistence and toxicity of PFAS add to the environmental burden for communities already experiencing significant environmental damage, such as those in southeast Los Angeles County. While the Biden administration’s plan includes a grant program for disadvantaged neighborhoods, it is crucial that the responsibility for initiating remediation does not solely fall on these communities.

Each new study on PFAS reveals more evidence of their ubiquitous presence in our lives. Therefore, federal regulators should consider a comprehensive ban on all PFAS, as recommended by many scientists. Further research is necessary to fully understand the harmful effects of PFAS and to develop sustainable methods for removing these toxins from drinking water. This research is especially important as California and other states consider the reuse of wastewater to replenish groundwater supplies, a practice that experts believe can increase PFAS toxicity in water sources.

The findings of the USGS study may not come as a complete surprise, but they should not be ignored. Action is needed to address this widespread issue and ensure the safety of our drinking water.

2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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