This article is republished from Keystone Newsroom
Think about how many times throughout the day you use water. You probably use it to launder your clothes, bathe, cook, drink, and so much more.
But how much do you think about whether or not that water you rely on is contaminated? Depending on where you live in Pennsylvania, it’s something you might want to consider.
A study released last month by the US Geological Survey (USGS) found that at least 45% of the country’s tap water contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment. And Pennsylvania’s tap water ranked as the sixth worst in the nation, according to a study released last summer by J.D. Power, which found that 33% of the state’s rivers and streams failed to meet water quality standards.
While the term polyfluoroalkyl substances sounds rather scientific, those forever chemicals aren’t limited to laboratories and can likely be found in your home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines PFAS as “a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.” That means any nonstick cookware you use could contain PFAS, as could clothing designed to repel water (like rain jackets), stain resistant fabrics, or products that resist grease and oil.