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Tap Water Nitrates: Millions at Risk
23 Apr
Summary
- Over 62 million Americans face exposure to dangerous nitrate levels.
- Nitrates linked to thyroid disease, cancers, and birth defects.
- Federal nitrate safety guidelines haven't been updated since 1962.
A concerning report reveals that over 62 million Americans, approximately one in five individuals, are potentially exposed to harmful nitrate levels in their tap water. Nitrates, originating from agricultural fertilizers and other sources, can contaminate groundwater and surface water, eventually reaching public water systems.
These invisible contaminants have been linked to a range of health problems, including thyroid disease, various cancers, preterm births, and birth defects. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) highlights that current federal guidelines for nitrate safety, established in 1962, are outdated, as studies now indicate health risks at significantly lower concentrations than previously understood.
