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PFAS Threatens America's Vital Waterways
23 Feb
Summary
- PFAS chemicals, known as "forever chemicals," are a growing environmental concern.
- These synthetic chemicals are entering the Great Lakes through rivers, groundwater, and precipitation.
- PFAS pose risks to drinking water, fish, and shoreline foams, with long-lasting impacts.
Synthetic chemicals known as PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are posing a significant threat to the Great Lakes, a critical source of fresh water for millions. These chemicals, used for decades in products for their water and stain-resistant properties, are now found in drinking water, fish, and human bodies. They are linked to serious health issues and do not naturally break down.
PFAS enter the Great Lakes through multiple pathways, including contaminated rivers from industrial sites and wastewater plants, groundwater seepage, and even precipitation like rain and snowfall. Concentrations can be extremely high in certain areas, far exceeding federal drinking water standards. Efforts to limit PFAS must consider both high-concentration hotspots and major river systems.
Once in the lakes, PFAS accumulate in sediments and can be ingested by aquatic life. They also concentrate in shoreline foams, leading to advisories for human and pet contact. Because water cycles through the Great Lakes very slowly, these persistent chemicals will remain for years, underscoring the urgent need to prevent further contamination.
