At least five Missouri water districts reported levels of “forever chemicals” above federal limits, according to Environmental Protection Agency data. One Missouri city has contamination levels nearly three times the federal limit.
The chemicals, scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are in hundreds of household items including cookware, carpeting, clothing, cosmetics, electronics and packaging. They also are a popular type of chemical firefighting foam heavily used on military bases.
The chemicals have been tied to health issues such as thyroid disease, cancer risks, decreased fertility, reduced immune function and interference with hormonal function…