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USGS Study Reveals Widespread PFAS Contamination in Groundwater

Up to 95 million Americans may rely on drinking water with detectable levels of 'forever chemicals,' posing potential health risks.

  • The US Geological Survey estimates that over 20% of the US population may use groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking.
  • PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' are synthetic substances found in everyday products and linked to health risks like cancer and high cholesterol.
  • The study provides the first national estimates of PFAS presence in untreated groundwater for both public and private wells.
  • States with the highest potential exposure include Florida, California, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.
  • USGS has developed an interactive map showing PFAS contamination probabilities to aid public awareness and guide future water safety measures.
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