Read the full article by Brian Bienkowski (TNL)
“If you swam, fished or paddled a lake or river in the US over the past couple of years, there’s a more than 80% chance the water contained toxic ‘forever chemicals,’ according to a new report.
The report, published today by Environment America Research & Policy Center, found hotspots for the toxics, including the Mississippi River and Lake Ontario, and warns that this widespread pollution is likely ‘just the tip of the iceberg,’ as it represents only a sampling of US waterways tested for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
‘The report underscores what is really a much bigger problem than what most people realize,’ said Tony Spaniola, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. ‘If anything, the report dramatically understates the problem.’
The findings come as the Trump administration rolls back policies aimed at reducing PFAS in drinking water. Critics say such moves will only worsen people’s exposure to the chemicals, which are linked to some cancers, high cholesterol, decreased immune response to vaccines, liver damage, thyroid problems, reproductive issues and other health issues.”…