Chemicals in Drinking Water Raise Cancer Risk
A recent study published on “Healthline” sheds light on the potential link between water pollution caused by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” and an increased risk of cancer.
According to the study, exposure to water contaminated with these substances could raise the likelihood of developing certain cancers, such as those affecting the oral cavity/pharynx, brain, thyroid, and endocrine glands, with risks increasing by up to 33%.
“Forever chemicals” are a class of thousands of chemical compounds widely used in manufacturing, particularly for their resistance to water, stains, and heat. However, these same properties make them resistant to degradation, allowing them to persist in the environment and the human body for decades.
A research team at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, led by Dr. Shi Xun Li, analyzed county-level water contamination data and cancer incidence rates from the National Cancer Institute in the United States.
The team found that areas with high levels of “forever chemicals” had higher cancer rates, including gastrointestinal, endocrine, and respiratory cancers. The researchers observed that men experienced higher rates of cancers affecting the urinary system, brain, and soft tissues, while women were more prone to thyroid cancer, oral cavity/pharynx cancer, and soft tissue cancers.
Dr. Andres Cardenas, Assistant Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, emphasized that the study is “environmental in nature,” meaning individual cancer cases were not directly linked to specific exposures to “forever chemicals.”
Scope of Pollution
Studies show that “forever chemicals” are present in the drinking water of approximately 45% of American households. These substances are commonly found in industrial products such as firefighting foams, as well as consumer goods like food packaging, furniture, cosmetics, and non-stick cookware.
Due to their extremely strong chemical bonds, “forever chemicals” have a very long lifespan in the environment and the human body.
Exposure to these substances has been linked to various health problems in addition to cancer, including disruptions to the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production and affects vital functions like metabolism and reproduction.
The chemicals have also been associated with liver and kidney damage, delayed growth in children, obesity, and changes in cholesterol levels.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to “Forever Chemicals”
- Check local water quality reports
- Install a water filter
- Limit exposure to consumer products
