“Forever Chemicals” Found in About 96% of Florida Waters Tested

PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals,” have been detected in about 96% of the rivers and lakes tested in Florida, according to a new report by environmental organizations. The contaminated waters include the Hillsborough River.

The report was prepared by Environment America Research & Policy Center, U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Frontier Group. It analyzed data from 23 Florida bodies of water from 2022–2024, most of it from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Forty-three types of PFAS compounds were detected.

A separate study of waters in the Tampa Bay area, published in October in the journal “Water Research,” covered 511 samples. In one of them, the concentration of PFOS reached 9,320 ng/L. For comparison, the federal limit for drinking water is 4 ng/L. However, those are measurements of surface water, not tap water, which is treated.

PFAS have been linked to certain cancers, elevated cholesterol and fertility problems, among other things. “I suspect the problem is much more serious than people think,” said Prof. Christian Wells of the University of South Florida. He noted that the people most at risk are those who eat fish they have caught themselves.

Source: Environment America, WUSF, Inside Climate News, “Water Research”

KN

Source: Słoneczne Radio