Forever Chemicals Archives

Drinking water exposed 23 million Americans to ‘forever chemicals’: Study

January 7, 2025
A recent study found wastewater treatment plants are responsible for exposing 23 million Americans to toxic “forever chemicals” in their drinking water. These chemicals, known as PFAS, don’t break down naturally and are linked to a range of health issues, including various types of cancer and liver damage.

The study, conducted by a team of scientists in New York, included water samples from eight wastewater treatment plants across the United States.

Despite advancements in water treatment technology, the research reveals that PFAS are ending up in rivers and lakes. As a result, it is contaminating the tap water of millions of people.

While treatment processes are designed to remove impurities, the study found that PFAS can withstand filtration and enter the water supply.

The researchers estimate at least half of Americans consume contaminated tap water, as these chemicals are widespread in the environment.

PFAS are commonly used in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, medications and fire suppressants.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently regulates six types of these chemicals. However, thousands of unregulated PFAS compounds remain in water systems, impacting an estimated 70% of the U.S. population.

“We’re identifying large amounts of chemicals that we know very little about,” said the study’s lead author.

The EPA has made some efforts to address PFAS contamination. However, experts argue current regulations are insufficient to protect public health.

PFAS accumulates in the body over time, leading to potential long-term health risks. Because these chemicals do not break down naturally, they have earned the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Additionally, the study suggests that climate change could exacerbate the problem.

Experts said widespread drought across rivers and lakes in the U.S. creates less natural water to dilute wastewater before it enters treatment plants. This could potentially increase the concentration of PFAs in drinking water.
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Study finds ‘forever chemicals’ in higher-priced smartwatch wristbands

December 18, 2024
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters has raised concerns about the presence of potentially harmful “forever chemicals” in certain smartwatch wristbands. These chemicals, known as PFAS, are human-made compounds that can persist in both the environment and the human body for decades.

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame screened 22 wristbands from a range of brands and price points. Their findings revealed higher-end wristbands made from fluorinated synthetic rubber contain high concentrations of PFAS, which have been linked to health issues, including cancer and liver damage.

Wristbands priced above $30 were found to have higher levels of PFAS compared to those costing less than $15.

“This discovery stands out because of the very high concentrations of one type of forever chemical found in items that are in prolonged contact with our skin,” Graham Peaslee, co-author of the study, said in a statement. “Much higher than most PFAS we have seen in consumer products.”

While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set limits for PFAS exposure in drinking water, there are currently no federal regulations regarding skin exposure to these substances.

The Notre Dame researchers indicated that it’s unclear whether the PFAS in these wristbands can transfer to the skin or pose health risks upon contact. Despite the lack of certainty on this, the study’s lead author still recommends choosing lower-cost silicone wristbands as a potentially safer alternative.
Related Stories
- ‘Eco-friendly’ paper straws, plastic straws both found to contain forever chemicals
- For first time ever, EPA to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
Black-colored plastics found in kitchen utensils, toys linked to toxic chemical

October 1, 2024
A study published on Tuesday, Oct. 1, found that black-colored plastics may contain concerning levels of a toxic flame retardant that could be leaching in through the recycling process. The study, done by environmental advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, found the highest levels of the toxic chemical in costume jewelry kids often wear when dressing up as pirates.

The study’s lead author said these necklaces contain toxic chemicals equal to almost 3% of their weight.

This is not the first study to link black plastic to toxic chemicals, but it is the first to link it to a class of chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which have been linked to a significantly increased risk of dying from cancer.

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Researchers found one PBDE, in particular, known as decaBDE was found in 70% of samples tested even though it was completely banned in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2021.

The European Union allows a level of decaBDEs up to 10 parts per million in products. The study’s authors said they found levels ranging from 5-1,200 times greater than that in the products they tested.

Take black plastic kitchen utensils for example. Researchers say based on how often they’re used, you could be exposed to nearly 38 parts per million of decaBDE per day — more than three times what the E.U. has deemed acceptable.

Most of the contamination can be traced back to flame retardants used in electronic devices like TVs, smartphones, gaming systems, and computers. This contamination occurs when these items are improperly recycled.

However, these flame retardants can also be found in the padding of things like couches, yoga mats, children’s car seats, just to name a few.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences said these toxic chemicals can leach from products into the air then attach to things like food, drinks and dust, which are then ingested. However, the North American Flame Retardant Alliance pointed out this recent study did not account for actual levels of exposure in humans or how they were exposed.

The study also only looked at black plastics, so it’s unclear if the toxic chemicals can be found in any other color of plastic.

Researchers say if you want to cut down your exposure, you can replace your kitchen utensils with stainless steel, dust, mop, and vacuum regularly to get rid of any dust that has been contaminated, and never wash and reuse the black plastic containers your food comes in or put them in the microwave.
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Toxic chemicals entering the human body through food packaging

September 17, 2024
It’s long been known chemicals can seep into food when it’s made, packaged, processed and stored, but a new study shows just how many of those chemicals make their way into the human body. Researchers from multiple countries came together to study 14,000 chemicals known to be used in food packaging. They found 3,601 of them – about 25% – can be found in the human body.

What’s more, 79 of the chemicals found are known to cause cancer, genetic mutations, and reproductive and endocrine issues, among other health concerns.

Researchers say most of the chemicals leeching from food packaging come from plastics. Chemicals identified in the study include BPA, PFAS and phthalates, but plastics are not the only concern.

One of the study’s authors pointed to recycled food packaging, specifically, because the recycling process allows non-food grade inks to be exposed to the food you eat.

The study’s authors also said while only 79 of the chemicals found in the human body are known to cause health issues, more of the chemicals may be harmful, but we just don’t know it yet. They also note that while food packaging products may comply with government regulations, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are completely safe.

There are ways to mitigate exposure though, like avoiding microwaving food in takeout containers because high temperatures can cause the chemicals to get into food more quickly. Scientists also say foods that are high in fat or acidity also tend to absorb more chemicals from their packaging.

Another good piece of advice given is to avoid small cramped food containers. The more cramped the container, the more contact it has with the food inside.
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Chemical used in rocket fuel is widespread in food, water: Report

August 8, 2024
A chemical commonly found in rocket fuel and fireworks is also found in drinking water and a wide array of food products, especially those popular with babies and children. The findings from Consumer Reports come decades after the chemical perchlorate was first found to be a contaminant in food and water.

In 2003, the Environmental Working Group found the chemical in 20% of grocery store lettuce it tested. Perchlorate has been linked to potential brain damage in fetuses and newborn babies, and thyroid issues in adults.

In Consumer Reports’ most recent tests, perchlorate was detected in measurable levels of 67% of 196 samples. It tested a total of 63 grocery products and 10 fast-food products.

The tests found perchlorate in the packaging of food most often. Foods in plastic containers had the highest levels, followed by food packaged in plastic wrap and paperboard.

https://twitter.com/ConsumerReports/status/1821199622368342215

Consumer Reports said foods often consumed by children had the highest levels of perchlorate. However, fresh fruits, vegetables and fast food also contained the chemical.

In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set a reference dose for perchlorate of 0.7 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight a day. Consumer Reports said none of the foods tested contained levels surpassing that suggested daily limit.

Consumer Reports’ tests also did not show why some foods had higher levels of perchlorate than others, but it said anti-static plastic could be part of the reason in some packaged goods.

Separately, Consumer Reports researchers said fresh produce could contain perchlorate because it’s irrigated with contaminated water.

The National Institutes of Health said most drinking water contamination comes from the manufacture, disposal and research of propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics. Accidental releases from factories and rocket launch failures are also listed as a cause.
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How a Colorado ‘forever chemicals’ ban could impact what you can buy

June 25, 2024
Colorado will become the latest state to ban forever chemicals, commonly known as polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS). Health experts have linked PFAS to serious health problems. The law will be implemented in 2025 but a complete ban on products with forever chemicals, like cookware, clothes, waterproof apparel and more, won’t go into place until 2028.

Critics argue that the state law will end up making products more expensive for consumers both by limiting the supply of legal household products and increasing regulatory costs.

However, lawmakers and advocates celebrated the move as a victory for public health on Monday, June 24, in Brighton, Colorado.

For many it displayed the fruits of their labor.

13-year-old Madhvi Chittoor from Colorado, an environmental activist who testified before Colorado lawmakers on behalf of the law, told CBS News that these chemicals have an impact on everyone and everything.

“They don’t biodegrade, and bioaccumulate into all living beings, which includes our food, even in our water, our soil, all over the ecosystem, in animals, and now even in our bodies,” Chittoor said. “It’s seen in fetuses, and it causes so many health effects, and it’s very big problem.

Forever chemicals have been used for decades and research has linked them to cancer, heart disease and infertility.

The chemicals are used to repel oil and water, as well as create heat resistance in nonstick pans, stain-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam.

“We know that PFAS are a dangerous toxin,” said Colorado Sen. Lisa Cutter, D, who co-sponsored the bill. “We don’t need to continue producing them. Certainly, there are cases where it’s not plausible right away to gravitate away from them, but we need to be moving in that direction. Our community shouldn’t have to pay the price for their health.”

Colorado is the latest of 28 states to adopt laws and regulations that limit PFAS. On May 1, Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo., signed the bill into law.
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For first time ever, EPA to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

April 10, 2024
For the first time in U.S. history, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set limits on the presence of “forever chemicals” in drinking water. Forever chemicals, also known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of human-made chemicals that can pose a health risk to people at even small traces of detectable exposure.

Forever chemicals have been around since the 1940s and are used in many everyday items, including non-stick pans, makeup, firefighting foam, semiconductors and astroturf.

The chemicals also pose a health risk. Some of the compounds are reportedly linked to cancer, liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and immune and developmental damage in infants.

There are thousands of reported PFAS compounds and nearly every American has measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood. In addition, nearly half of the nation’s tap water has one or more types of PFAS, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

However, the EPA said that it will only target six specific PFAS. One of the forever chemicals targeted is a known carcinogen and another is a “likely” carcinogen. Although only six will be targeted, the EPA said that more will be eliminated indirectly through the process.

The most concerning forever chemicals will need to be reduced to four parts per trillion or less.

The EPA estimated that the regulations will eventually improve the drinking water for around 100 million Americans. The agency said that the cost of the new rules will be around $1.5 billion per year for water utilities.

The announcement received pushback from the water industry, some of whom claimed that the industry bears the brunt of the costs of “forever chemicals in water” despite not having created the problem.

However, the EPA said that the health benefits will exceed the costs by reducing rates of cancer, strokes and heart attacks.

The Biden administration is providing $9 billion through the bipartisan infrastructure package for implementation of the new regulations. An additional $12 billion from the package will be reportedly used for improvements to other drinking water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, environmental groups commended the EPA’s actions.

“I think a lot of us that have worked in this field for a long time wondered if the EPA would ever be able to get this rolled out,” Erik Olson, the senior strategic director for health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said.

The new EPA rules for drinking water will be fully implemented by 2029. Water utilities will be given five years to comply with the standard, three years for testing of the water system and two years for installation.
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3M nears $5.5B earplug settlement with US veterans over hearing-loss claims

August 28, 2023

3M is nearing a settlement to resolve more than 300,000 claims from U.S. veterans over the company’s combat arms earplugs. The complaints allege the earplugs, which were supplied to the U.S. military, did not adequately protect soldiers from hearing loss.

People close to the discussions told The Wall Street Journal that under the terms of the proposed settlement, 3M would pay about $5.5 billion. The 300,000 claims make the earplug litigation the largest mass tort claim in U.S. history.

The earplugs, which were developed by Aearo Technologies, were designed to protect users’ hearing from loud noises like explosions while allowing voices or other softer noises to be heard. The veterans claimed the earplugs were defective and failed to protect them from noise damage.

3M has pushed back against the claim, saying the earplugs work when used correctly.

In 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to the U.S. government to resolve allegations that the earplugs could loosen in one’s ear without them noticing.

Aearo filed for bankruptcy in the summer of 2022, accepting responsibility for all the liability claims. The filing was dismissed by a bankruptcy court judge, who ruled Aearo didn’t qualify for bankruptcy protections.

3M’s ability to pay a multibillion-dollar settlement to veterans may be hampered after the company came to a tentative agreement to settle litigation over so-called forever chemicals in city drinking water. That agreement could cost 3M as much as $12.5 billion over five years.

“We don’t like the overhang on the stock and we want to manage it, but we’ve got to, as we move forward, do what’s in the best interest of the company for the long term,” 3M Chief Executive Mike Roman told the Journal in July of 2023.
‘Eco-friendly’ paper straws, plastic straws both found to contain forever chemicals

August 28, 2023
A study of various types of straws found most paper, plastic and bamboo straws sampled contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals. These chemicals got their nickname because they linger almost permanently in air, water and soil.

Researchers looked at 39 brands of straws made of plastic, paper, bamboo, glass and stainless steel. The results, broken down by type of straw, was as follows:
- PFAS were detected in 18 out of 20 paper straw brands.
- PFAS were detected in four out of five bamboo straw brands.
- PFAS were detected in three out of four plastic straw brands.
- PFAS were detected in two out of five glass straw brands.
- No PFAS were detected in five stainless steel straw brands.
“PFAS were found to be present in almost all types of straws, but primarily in those made from plant-based materials. These ‘eco-friendly’ plant-based straws are not necessarily a more sustainable alternative to plastic straws, because they can be considered as an additional source of PFAS exposure in humans and the environment,” the authors of the study wrote in their conclusion. “The most sustainable alternative seems to be stainless-steel straws, which can be reused, do not contain PFAS and can be fully recycled.”

Previous research has detected forever chemicals in paper and other plant-based straws, among many other types of cookware and packaging. PFAS are frequently found in food wrappers, cosmetics, carpet, furniture and textiles such as raincoats or workout clothes.

Exposure to PFAS can be associated with low birth weight, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and an increased risk of kidney and liver cancers. Researchers have not yet determined which levels of exposure are problematic.

In March of 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed what would be the first national drinking water standard for forever chemicals. Under the proposal, water systems would have to monitor for six different chemicals, notify the public about PFAS levels and work to reduce them if levels go above the standard allowed.
All Titan submarine passengers dead after implosion: June 23 rundown

June 23, 2023

The Titan submarine saga ended in tragedy after an implosion killed everyone on board, and this weekend marks one year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. These stories and more highlight the rundown for Friday, June 23, 2023.

Titan submarine implodes, all 5 on board dead

Coast Guard Officials confirmed Thursday, June 22 that all five people aboard the Titan submarine died after an implosion underwater. Five major pieces of debris from the submarine were discovered.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the families,” First Coast Guard District Rear Adm. John Mauger said Thursday. “I can only imagine what this has been like for them and I hope that this discovery provides some solace during this difficult time.”

The first piece was found about 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic on the sea floor. Before the implosion, the Titan submarine was making its way down to the remains of the Titanic on Sunday when it was reported missing.

The search and rescue effort that followed has now turn into an investigation and salvage mission. The Coast Guard said the investigation will take an indefinite amount of time.

Wyoming judge blocks state’s abortion pill ban

Just days before the abortion pill mifepristone was set to be banned in Wyoming, a federal judge ruled Thursday to stop the state’s ban on abortion pills. Wyoming was the first state to move to ban mifepristone, which has been used to carry out more than half of all U.S. abortions.

The state also passed an abortion ban, both of which are now tied up in litigation. The pill was set to remain legal in the state pending the outcome of a lawsuit.

Wyoming’s abortion ban was likewise temporarily blocked by a judge awaiting the outcome of its legal challenge in court. If the state’s abortion ban goes into effect, efforts to block the pill from being used would be largely symbolic.

Biden gets abortion rights endorsements ahead of Dobbs anniversary

Wyoming is one of many states that has moved to create abortion legislation. President Joe Biden has looked to build off of the backlash to said legislation after Democrats had major success in the midterms running on rights to an abortion.

Saturday, June 24 marks exactly one year since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion. Abortion measures on ballots during the 2022 midterm elections largely fell in favor of protecting abortion rights.

“It’s going to continue to be a big week. The administration is, you know, literally all four of the principals, the president, vice president, second gentleman and first lady are all engaged,” White House Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein said Wednesday, June 21. “And I really think you’re seeing that not only here in this administration, but really across the country. People are really galvanized and motivated.”

President Biden has received three major endorsements from abortion rights groups: Planned Parenthood, Naral Pro-Choice America, and Emily’s List. After the overturning of Roe V. Wade, 53% of Americans polled by The Associated Press disapproved of the court’s decision.

Whistleblowers: IRS, DOJ interfered in Hunter Biden tax case

A House committee has released transcripts of congressional interviews with two IRS whistleblowers. The whistleblowers alleged sweeping misconduct by the Justice Department, the FBI, and the IRS in the investigation into Hunter Biden.

According to the whistleblowers’ testimony, the government agencies interfered in Biden’s tax evasion case. The committee claimed the testimony reveals preferential treatment for the wealthy and politically connected.

One whistleblower said decisions in Hunter Biden’s case were influenced by politics. The whistleblower claimed the Justice Department delayed, divulged, and denied an ongoing investigation into Hunter’s alleged tax crimes.

Tropical storms form amid busy start to hurricane season

Three tropical disturbances are the latest developments in what has been a busy and unusual start to hurricane season, according to a hurricane specialist. The one closest to the United States is Tropical Storm Bret, bringing winds just under hurricane-strength as it passed near Barbados.

Behind Bret is Tropical Storm Cindy, with a track-forecast towards the north Atlantic. There’s a third system already brewing off the West Coast of Africa. But with hot water across the sea surface, hurricane specialists predicted the system one could eventually take shape.

Cindy is the third named storm in the Atlantic, which normally doesn’t happen until Aug. 3. That puts 2023’s hurricane season six weeks ahead of schedule.

3M settles contaminated water lawsuits

3M has reached an agreement to pay more than $10 billion to settle contaminated water claims brought by multiple U.S. cities over “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. The company produces things like Post-it Notes, Scotch Tape, and N-95 masks.

3M was accused of contaminating water with its use of PFAS in its products. The payments would be made over a 13-year period to test and treat water supply for contamination.

The company still faces other lawsuits from other states and individuals. 3M plans to stop manufacturing PFAS in 2025.

Drinking water exposed 23 million Americans to ‘forever chemicals’: Study

Study finds ‘forever chemicals’ in higher-priced smartwatch wristbands

Black-colored plastics found in kitchen utensils, toys linked to toxic chemical

Toxic chemicals entering the human body through food packaging

Chemical used in rocket fuel is widespread in food, water: Report

How a Colorado ‘forever chemicals’ ban could impact what you can buy

For first time ever, EPA to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

3M nears $5.5B earplug settlement with US veterans over hearing-loss claims

‘Eco-friendly’ paper straws, plastic straws both found to contain forever chemicals

All Titan submarine passengers dead after implosion: June 23 rundown

Titan submarine implodes, all 5 on board dead

Wyoming judge blocks state’s abortion pill ban

Biden gets abortion rights endorsements ahead of Dobbs anniversary

Whistleblowers: IRS, DOJ interfered in Hunter Biden tax case

Tropical storms form amid busy start to hurricane season

3M settles contaminated water lawsuits

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