Read the full article by Joanna Gagis (NJ Spotlight News).
“Levels of toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS in New Jersey drinking water have been cut in half, according to a study from Rutgers University health researchers who analyzed years of data from dozens of systems across the state. They credit a 2018 rule in New Jersey that regulates PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and sets an enforceable standard.
Hari Iyer, who is a lead author of the study and a cancer epidemiologist at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, shares what his team found and what it means for public health. This interview has been lightly edited.
Joanna Gagis, anchor: Can you remind us what PFAS are?
Hari Iyer: PFAS are called forever chemicals, and they’re found in a number of household goods and consumer goods. One thing that many of your audience will likely be familiar with are takeout packages. So we like these packages because they keep our food warm and they keep the soups from leaking out of the package. It’s those same properties that prepare food and keep it so nice for transport that actually lead them to be very persistent in our bodies and in the environment.”…