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Dangerous chemicals in drinking water: PFAS threaten our health!
Find out everything about PFAS pollution in Thuringia and their health risks. Current developments and regulations.
Dangerous chemicals in drinking water: PFAS threaten our health!
The discussion about PFAS, the so-called “per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances”, is becoming increasingly important, especially when it comes to the possible contamination of our drinking water. According to the Federal Environment Ministry, around 10,000 of these chemical compounds are known worldwide and have been produced since the 1940s. These substances are not only contained in firefighting foam and pan coatings, but are also found in outdoor clothing and even in some pesticides that enter our environment through agriculture, as MDR reports.
PFAS are so-called “forever chemicals” because their molecules consist of carbon and fluorine atoms that are extremely resistant to environmental influences. This makes them water, grease and dirt repellent, but also problematic for the environment and health. The European Environment Agency warns about the health risks that PFAS can pose, including liver damage, thyroid disease and even cancer. This issue has led to increased regulatory action against some of the most harmful compounds in recent years.
Regulations and limits
Some PFAS have been regulated since the mid-2000s, but measures are currently limited to the most concentrated compounds. According to ECHA, PFOS and its derivatives were banned under the Stockholm Convention back in 2009, and since then the EU has continued to expand regulations. PFOA and its salts have been banned in the EU since July 2020, while recent developments have seen the introduction of PFHxS into the relevant regulations.
The new European guidelines on drinking water quality came into force on January 12, 2021 and set an upper limit of 0.5 µg/l for all PFAS. However, it should be noted that regulation only covers the most dangerous substances and the large number of PFAS that are not yet regulated represents a serious challenge.
Focus on health risks
The health effects of PFAS have come into greater focus in recent years. Studies show that PFAS have been detected in the blood serum of 97% of Americans. Potential health risks include an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in women and possible effects on pubertal development in girls. A research organization, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), has already commissioned numerous studies to better understand the effects of these chemicals, as NIEHS reports.
In summary, the issue of PFAS has far-reaching impacts on our health and the environment. It is important not only to take regulatory measures, but also to raise public awareness of the dangers of these chemicals. It is up to all of us to focus attention on this complex issue so that future generations can live in a healthier and safer environment.