Published on July 24, 2023
A study from the U.S. Geological Survey released this month, reported an estimated 45% of U.S. tap water contains at least one type of PFAS. Short for polyfluoroalkyl substances, they are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they take a long time to break down in the environment.
What PFAS presence does to the human body, however, is still being researched.
PFAS are a set of synthetic chemicals that can be found in certain stain and water-resistant products, certain non-stick cookware, and certain food packaging. It’s also a component in a type of firefighting foam that is now banned in Washington. It can even be present in tap water.
“We are finding elevated levels in multiple areas, especially those close to industry, firefighting operations, airports,” said Dr. Bonnie Ronish. Ronish is a pulmonologist and Clinical Director of the UW Medicine Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic at Harborview.
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Original story by Christine Pae for KING5.