A recent study by an international group of scientists has found that many public water sources in Europe are contaminated with PFAS, a group of toxic chemicals that have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive disorders, and immune system damage.
The study, which was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, tested water samples from 24 countries and found that PFAS were present in all of them. The highest levels of contamination were found in countries with a history of industrial activity, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and fire-fighting foam. They are resistant to heat, water, and oil, which makes them ideal for use in a variety of applications.
However, PFAS are also very persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time. Studies have shown that PFAS can cause a range of health problems, including:
* Cancer: PFAS have been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
* Reproductive disorders: PFAS can interfere with the reproductive system and can cause problems such as infertility, low birth weight, and birth defects.
* Immune system damage: PFAS can damage the immune system and make people more susceptible to infections.
The study’s findings are a cause for concern, as they suggest that many people in Europe are being exposed to PFAS through their drinking water. NGOs are calling on governments to take action to reduce PFAS contamination and to protect public health.
- The European Union (EU) has set a maximum allowable concentration of PFAS in drinking water of 100 nanograms per liter (ng/L). However, the study found that PFAS levels in some countries were significantly higher than this limit.
- In Germany, for example, the average PFAS level in drinking water was 220 ng/L. In Italy, the average level was 140 ng/L.
- These levels of contamination are a cause for concern, as they could pose a health risk to people who drink the water.
NGOs are calling on governments to take action to reduce PFAS contamination and to protect public health. They are urging governments to:
* Set stricter limits on PFAS contamination in drinking water.
* Invest in research to develop new methods for removing PFAS from water.
* Ban the use of PFAS in products that are likely to contaminate drinking water.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
