Widespread Contamination: Millions of Americans' Drinking Water Polluted with 'Forever Chemicals'

New data released by the EPA reveals that toxic PFAS chemicals, also known as "forever chemicals," are more widespread in the country's drinking water systems than previously known. Over 27 million Americans are served by community water systems that have detected PFAS chemicals in concentrations exceeding the EPA's reporting limits. PFAS chemicals have been linked to increased cancer risk and other harmful health effects. Currently, there are no enforceable national drinking-water standards for PFAS, but some states have adopted their own limits. The EPA has issued health advisories for some PFAS chemicals, but these are not legally enforceable. Private wells, which are relied upon by about 40 million people in the US, are not regulated and have limited information on PFAS contamination. The EPA suggests using in-home filtration systems and grants will be provided to affected systems to mitigate PFAS contamination.