New tests show that potentially toxic chemicals are in the drinking water supplies of several major US cities, including Miami, New Orleans and Washington, DC,.
The Environmental Working Group reported that PFAS, which are manmade chemicals, are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down once they’re in the environment.
They’re found now in nonstick products, paints, cleaning products and food packaging. The forever chemicals can harm the liver, kidney, and can lead to cancer and reproductive and developmental issues.
The group tested 44 sites in 31 states and Washington. The Environmental Working Group said that the only area with clean drinking water is Meridian, Mississippi, which gets its water from a 600-foot-deep well. The areas with the highest levels of chemicals are Brunswick County, North Carolina, and Quad Cities, Iowa,