July 6 (Reuters) - Nearly half of U.S. tap water samples contain toxic "forever chemicals," substances used in hundreds of household items from cleaning supplies to pizza boxes to which broad exposure can carry serious health risks, according to a new study.
But analyzing tap water allows for a more accurate assessment of what people are drinking, said Kelly Smalling, a USGS hydrologist who led the research.
The study samples, which came from public supplies and private wells between 2016 and 2021, were tested for 32 types.
Public water supplies are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency while private wells are not.
It would require monitoring of public water systems and disclosure when PFAS levels exceed limits.
Persons:
Kelly Smalling, ” Smalling, Rachel Nostrant, Nancy Lapid, Howard Goller
Organizations:
Geological Survey, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Protection Agency, Biden administration’s, Infrastructure Law, Thomson
Locations:
U.S