Forever chemicals (PFAS) have gained notoriety in recent years. This is mainly due to their widespread presence and detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. These synthetic chemicals are called “forever” because they do not naturally degrade in the environment and can persist for generations.
In the United States, PFAS contamination has become a major concern, impacting various aspects of American society. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, even alligators in the US are suffering due to PFAS exposure. Humans, too, are having to bear the brunt of such chemical exposure, and that too in a variety of ways.
Today, we will explore how ‘forever chemicals’ are harming American society and disrupting life in general for the country’s citizens.
Contaminated Drinking Water
One of the most pressing issues surrounding PFAS contamination is the presence of these chemicals in drinking water supplies across the United States. PFAS compounds are highly soluble in water, making them prone to leaching into groundwater and contaminating water sources.
The New York Times reports that almost 50 percent of the tap water in the US is contaminated with forever chemicals. Communities near military bases, industrial sites, and airports, where PFAS-containing firefighting foams were frequently used, are particularly at risk.
The health consequences of consuming PFAS-contaminated water are severe. Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, immune system suppression, etc. Access to clean, uncontaminated drinking water is a fundamental right, and PFAS contamination jeopardizes the well-being of countless Americans.
Health Risks and Medical Costs
According to the US CDC, the adverse health effects of PFAS exposure are a growing public health concern. Research has shown that PFAS can accumulate in the human body over time, leading to chronic health issues. These chemicals have been associated with an increased risk of cancer.
The medical costs associated with treating PFAS-related health issues are substantial and have placed an additional burden on the American healthcare system. Families and individuals grappling with PFAS-related illnesses face mounting medical bills and reduced quality of life. This not only affects those directly impacted but also places a strain on society as a whole.
These days, even firefighters aren’t safe from PFAS exposure. This was evident in the Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) firefighting foam cancer lawsuits. While this firefighting foam has been an effective way to put out fuel fires, it was also responsible for causing various types of cancer.
According to TorHoerman Law, firefighters, military workers, and industry personnel have all been affected by this type of firefighting foam. This is mainly due to the fact that the AFFF firefighting foam also contains forever chemicals. Thus, the AFFF lawsuits were filed to help the AFFF firefighting foam victims seek compensation and justice for their losses.
Environmental Degradation
Forever chemicals do not limit their harm to human health; they also pose significant threats to the environment. PFAS contamination has been linked to the destruction of ecosystems, harming wildlife and natural habitats. Aquatic ecosystems, in particular, are vulnerable to PFAS pollution, as these chemicals readily enter water bodies and disrupt the balance of aquatic life.
Birds, fish, and other wildlife species can accumulate PFAS in their tissues, leading to deformities, reproductive problems, and population declines. The long-term consequences of PFAS contamination on ecosystems are not yet fully understood, but they undoubtedly contribute to the overall degradation of the environment.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the PFAS crisis is its disproportionate impact on vulnerable and marginalized communities. Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color are often situated near industrial facilities and military bases where PFAS contamination is prevalent. These communities already face a range of socio-economic challenges, and PFAS contamination further exacerbates their hardships.
Residents in these areas may lack the resources to access clean drinking water, undergo necessary medical treatments, or pursue legal action against polluters. This environmental injustice perpetuates existing inequalities and underscores the urgent need for equitable solutions to the PFAS problem.
Conclusion
America has thousands of problems to deal with. Right now, many of these are health-related. Thus, they can do without the forever chemical problem on the list. For that, however, America will need a bit of time.
As you can tell from our discussion above, the forever chemical problem is having a widespread impact across the country. Such scale of an impact is only possible due to decades of negligence and policy mismanagement. Therefore, America needs to act now. Only then can they hope that within the next decade or so, they can solve this forever chemical problem to some extent.
