Toxic PFAS found in U.S. drinking water 2023, by location
Toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected in tap water samples from 18 U.S. states between May and June 2023. Monroe, New Jersey had the highest concentration of PFAS of the samples tested, with 82 parts per trillion (ppt). PFAS were also detected in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, Austin, and Denver, exposing millions of people to potentially unsafe drinking water.
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed regulating certain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), at four ppt. These "forever chemicals" have been used in the U.S. since the 1940's to manufacture everyday items. They have been linked with cancer and birth defects and have been found in blood samples.
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed regulating certain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), at four ppt. These "forever chemicals" have been used in the U.S. since the 1940's to manufacture everyday items. They have been linked with cancer and birth defects and have been found in blood samples.
