PFAS contamination more widespread than thought
PFAS contamination in the U.S. is far more widespread than previously thought, with nearly 80,000 likely contaminated sites, reveals new research.
Why it matters
- PFAS, or "forever chemicals", are toxic and persist in the environment, posing risks to health and ecosystems.
- The research provides a roadmap for targeting testing and cleanup efforts.
By the numbers
- Known PFAS contamination sites: 2,200
- Likely contaminated sites: 80,000
- 94% of known sites had PFAS groundwater concentrations above regulatory levels.
The big picture
- PFAS contamination is linked to diverse sources like airports, military facilities, and industrial sites.
- The study highlights the need for more scrutiny on industrial sources like metal and electronics manufacturing.
What they're saying
- Comments reflect concerns about corporate responsibility and the need for better regulation.
Caveats
- Contamination estimates rely on modeling; actual levels may vary.
- Testing data is incomplete and varies by region.
What’s next
- Researchers hope the findings will guide legislators and communities in targeting remediation efforts.
- More focus needed on industrial sources of PFAS pollution.