Up to 95 Million Americans Exposed to Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Tap Water: Study

Over 40 percent of public supply wells and nearly one in five domestic wells examined in the study were estimated to be contaminated with these chemicals.

Water from a tap fills a glass in San Anselmo, Calif., on July 6, 2023. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A class of chemicals known to cause serious health issues is found to be present in the tap water supplies of millions of U.S. citizens, according to a new study.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used in a wide range of items like fire-fighting foams, cleaning products, water repellants, paints, stain-resistant fabrics, and non-stick cookware. Known as “forever chemicals,” these do not easily break down in the environment. There are over 12,000 types of PFAS, and they are linked to adverse health problems like cancers, causing negative effects on immune function, and reproductive issues.