With the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS regularly grabbing headlines these days, you may be wondering what these chemicals mean for you.
After all, these chemicals, found in a vast array of consumer products and industrial applications, have been linked to damage to the immune system, harm to fetal development, reduced vaccine effectiveness and several types of cancer – and they’ve been found in the drinking water supply of 70 million people.
Using EWG’s Tap Water Database, you can plug in your ZIP code to find out whether you and your family are among these 70 million. You also receive a detailed report on the other contaminants in your water and their detection levels.
And you can consult our interactive map, which lets you explore PFAS contamination in your area and across the U.S., giving you a comprehensive view of water quality in your community. EWG updates the map when tests find more contamination.
There are more than 66,000 water systems in the country that must comply with the new limits, and EWG researchers estimate over 200 million people may be drinking water contaminated by PFAS at levels of 1 part per trillion, or ppt, or higher.
New EPA limits for PFAS in water
The Environmental Protection Agency recently set new legal limits for six PFAS found in drinking water – PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS, PFNA and PFHxS. When fully implemented, the limits will better protect communities from harm and improve public health nationwide.
The EPA estimates the PFAS limits will significantly reduce the risk of serious health problems, including thousands fewer cardiovascular disease and kidney cancer deaths.
But water utilities will need several years to comply with the standards – after a three-year testing period, they will have two years to comply with the EPA’s limits.
Until utilities comply with the new standards, many communities will remain vulnerable.
PFAS are in my water: Now what?
While the PFAS contamination crisis continues, you can take steps to protect yourself from these harmful chemicals.
A home water filter can remove PFAS from your tap water. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective but they can be expensive. EWG’s research has found that many countertop filters are also effective at reducing PFAS levels, although they vary in price and other factors. You can see what will work best for you and your family by consulting our Guide to PFAS Water Filters.
To ensure your water filter is effective, maintain it according to manufacturer directions and replace the filters regularly.
For more guidance on selecting the best filter for other drinking water contaminants, follow EWG’s step-by-step guide.
By learning how contaminants in your water may affect your health and taking the appropriate actions, you can protect yourself and your family from PFAS.
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