6 million people in the US are using water that contains toxic chemicals

In recent months, the topic is widely reported by the media as the high lead content found in the water used in Flint, Michigan USA. A new study published in the American journal Enviromental Science & Technology Letters revealed: " These problems are affecting millions of people living in the US. "

The study, guided by Xindi Hu, a Boston School of Public Health, points out: " More than 6 million people living in the United States are drinking water that contains unsafe levels of industrial chemicals. causing cancer and other health problems ".

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The research team of Xindi Hu analyzed the content of polyfluoroalkyl and perfloalkyl ( two substances that are widely used in industrial and consumer products because of their special chemical properties, abbreviated as PFASs) , but Chemicals can be waterproof to oil and water, often used to produce paints, non-stick pans and waterproof clothing. In addition, more than 36,000 test water samples indicate: " More than 6 million people in the US are using water that contains insecurity levels of these chemicals - substances that have been used for the past 60 years ."

Xindi Hu, a PhD student at Chan University, explained in the report that " For years, unspecified toxic chemicals (PFASs) have been approved for use and release. environment and now, we are facing such serious consequences ". She added: " Even the problem can spread more widely. According to government data, the amount of water containing the content of compounds is still lacking for nearly one third of the US population to use. - about 100 million people ".

Ms. Xindi Hu answered research site ResearchGate about the chemical problem: " Almost all people living in the US are exposed to PFAS, which is related to a variety of health-damaging consequences like kidney cancer, high cholesterol, obesity and endocrine disorders ". The US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) has added them to the list of contaminants and some companies have begun phasing out their use in their products.

Industrial parks and military bases are the areas with the highest PFAS content

According to CNN and Reuters, Xindi Hu's team examined more than 36,000 water samples collected by the EFA from mid-2013 to 2015 and found that they contained six types of PFASs. In addition, they went to industrial zones where chemicals were used or manufactured, as well as military and airport training sites using fire foams containing these substances.

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They found PFASs at EPA - showing: " In 33 states only 194 out of 4864 where water supplies meet the minimum set level " and are reported that: " 66 public water supplies contain at least one sample has reached or exceeded the level of harm to human health.The highest levels of chemicals are found near industrial parks, military bases and wastewater treatment plants " .

According to the researchers, ¾ of the unsafe water supply is found in 13 states, led by California. Then, in turn, the states in order of descending frequencies are New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Georgia, Minnesota, Arizona, Massachusetts and Illinois. This suggests that people living in named states should stop using tap water and store imported bottled spring water.

On August 9, Xindi Hu replied to ResearchGate: "Relevant residents should recommend directly to the local Ministry of Health for more information about PFASs available in drinking water. Drinking water at Hoosick Falls , NY was found to have very high levels of PFASs and local people were advised to stop using tap water until water supplies could reduce PFASs to acceptable levels . "