State health officials sound the alarm after troubling contamination patterns identified across 22 public water systems: 'It is a huge deal'
Almost two dozen water providers in Pennsylvania, including six in the Philadelphia area, were told to inform their customers after the affected systems were found to be out of compliance with state mandates regarding toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — or PFAS.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has reported that 22 providers failed to reduce PFAS in drinking water in line with the agency's requirements, according to a March report from public media outlet WHYY.
Six of those water providers are in the Philadelphia area, including two schools and a mobile home community.
Perhaps even more alarming, WHYY has reported that over 180 providers statewide are still seeing PFAS measuring at levels that exceed the stringent federal limits set to be implemented in four years.
PFAS regulation advocate Hope Gross of the Buxmont Coalition for Safer Water told WHYY, "I do think this is a state of emergency, and I think our world is really coming to terms with some of this and I hope that everyone tests their water because it is a huge deal."
PFAS have been linked to serious issues like cancer, thyroid disease, developmental delays in children, and more. And they're everywhere, commonly found in everything from food packaging and nonstick kitchenware to water-resistant clothing and furniture, toiletries, and electronics. The chemicals can also be found in our household dust, soil, and drinking water.
Research from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests that PFAS could lead to an increased risk of childhood obesity, increased risk of cancers, and a less effective immune system.
Other studies have found that reproductive health issues such as endometriosis and preeclampsia may be linked to exposure to PFAS, which are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in bodies and in the environment.
As previously noted, new federal regulations on PFAS will come into effect by 2029. These limits will require the 19% of Pennsylvania water providers that WHYY documented in a 2024 investigation as having levels above these limits to reduce PFAS in their water systems.
The new standards will be stricter than Pennsylvania regulations and will hopefully create safer drinking water across the United States.
How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water?
Never
Sometimes
Often
Always
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
While it would be virtually impossible to completely eliminate PFAS from our everyday lives due to their prevalence in water, food, and consumer items, some steps can be taken to avoid the chemicals.
For example, PFAS are commonly found in food stored in takeout containers. Research suggests that those who eat fresh meals at home more often than they eat takeout are less exposed to these chemicals.
Several major brands, like McDonald's and Amazon, have also pledged to take steps toward reducing PFAS in their packaging and products.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Scientists uncover exciting new method to remove dangerous chemicals from the body: 'Feasible, accessible and economical'
In a hopeful breakthrough for public health, researchers found that dietary fiber may help reduce PFAS — toxic "forever chemicals" — from the human body. As reported by The Guardian, the pilot study showed that increased fiber intake can lower levels of two of the most widespread and harmful PFAS: PFOA and PFOS. These pollutants are commonly found in water, food packaging, and household products, and they have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, birth defects, and kidney disease. PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are called forever chemicals because they don't naturally break down and can remain in the body for decades. The study's authors believe dietary fiber forms a gel in the digestive system that blocks PFAS from being absorbed, allowing them to exit when you go to the bathroom — similar to how fiber helps remove bile acids. Importantly, the study found that both soluble and insoluble fibers were needed, and oat beta-glucan, a common supplement, was mentioned as a helpful source. Timing is also important, as fiber works best when taken with meals, when bile production is highest. While fiber didn't work as well for "short-chain" PFAS (which are excreted more easily through urine), it was highly effective at reducing levels of long-chain types such as PFOA and PFOS — the types most commonly found in people's blood. This method also appears to be a gentler alternative to treatments such as cholestyramine, a cholesterol drug sometimes used to treat PFAS exposure but known to cause uncomfortable digestive issues. By contrast, fiber has a wide range of health benefits and is easy to integrate into your daily routine. This promising discovery joins other innovative solutions such as an LED method used to break down PFAS and ultraviolet purification used to break down PFAS in water. "The key is that this is feasible, accessible and economical," said Boston University's Jennifer Schlezinger, a co-author of the study. She added that early results are "very promising," and a larger study is underway. People online were impressed with the findings. "Wild how something as simple as fiber could help flush out toxic forever chemicals," one person said on Instagram. "The link between fiber intake and reducing 'forever chemicals' is such an important topic. More research like this could shape our understanding of diet and health. Thanks for sharing!" added another. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
ERA Congress: Long-term data show sustained efficacy and safety of zigakibart in patients with IgA nephropathy
VIENNA, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New 100-week data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 study of zigakibart, an investigational anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody, reinforce its potential as a disease-modifying treatment for IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Findings presented today at the 62nd ERA Congress demonstrate sustained proteinuria remission, stable kidney function, and a reassuring safety profile. IgAN is the most common form of glomerular disease worldwide and a frequent cause of chronic kidney disease. Its pathogenesis is marked by inflammation and progressive kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure. Many patients are unaware they have the condition until significant kidney damage has occurred, and 50% of IgAN patients will ultimately develop kidney failure. By targeting the APRIL pathway and reducing production of pathogenic galactose-debecause ofgA1), zigakibart addresses a key driver of disease progression. "Zigakibart is designed to intercept the initiating factor in IgAN pathogenesis, offering a new approach that may halt or significantly delay progression", explained lead investigator Professor Jonathan Barratt. The ADU-CL-19 trial included 40 adults with biopsy-confirmed IgAN and persistent proteinuria despite stable supportive therapy. Patients received zigakibart every two weeks via intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection, in addition to maximally tolerated renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) unless RASi-intolerant – demonstrating efficacy beyond standard care. At Week 100, proteinuria was reduced by 60% from baseline. Over half of patients (55%) reached <500 mg/24 h, and 31% achieved <300 mg/24 h, indicating deeper remission. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) remained stable across subgroups. "The consistency of eGFR stabilisation over 100 weeks, even across proteinuria response groups, is particularly encouraging," said Prof. Barratt. Treatment also led to sustained reductions in serum immunoglobulins, including a 74% drop in IgA and pathogenic Gd-IgA1, consistent with APRIL pathway inhibition. Zigakibart was well tolerated throughout. Most adverse events were mild or moderate, with no treatment-related serious infections or discontinuations. Infections were the most common AEs; the study coincided with a high prevalence of COVID-19. This is the longest duration of eGFR stabilisation reported for an anti-APRIL agent in IgAN. "These long-term results build confidence in zigakibart as a potential cornerstone therapy for IgAN," said Prof. Barratt. "We're excited to see how the upcoming Phase 3 trials will further define its role." The global Phase 3 BEYOND study is now evaluating zigakibart in a broader population, with primary proteinuria endpoints at 40 weeks and long-term kidney function through 104 weeks. View original content: SOURCE ERA Congress Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Bill would cover ‘Forever Chemical' exposure at bases under VA benefits
A bipartisan bill would allow veterans with health issues caused by exposure to 'forever chemicals' at U.S. military bases to be treated as service-connected disabilities, which would further open the door to health care and benefits compensation for those impacted. Forever chemicals, more technically known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are long-lasting chemicals that break down slowly. They are found in many everyday objects, food, and in air, water, and soil around the world, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The bill, titled 'Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act,'' or the ''VET PFAS Act,' would designate exposure to PFAS as a service-connected condition for veterans, making them eligible for disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs. It would also allow military dependents, including those 'in utero while the mother' resided at a base with PFAS exposures, to be eligible for hospital care and medical services for certain diseases and conditions, according to the text of the bill. If passed, the legislation would be a major expansion of health conditions and illnesses for which veterans could receive VA care and disability benefits. The bill was introduced in the House on May 29 by New York Rep. Josh Riley, a Democrat, and Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican, and builds upon measures from the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. The PACT Act, passed in 2022, was the largest expansion of service-connected health conditions eligible for VA care, including service members exposed to burn pits during Iraq and Afghanistan deployments, for Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange-related chemicals, and very specific instances of base exposures. The Department of Defense has identified 718 bases with known or suspected PFAS release. The military estimates that PFAS investigation and cleanup costs could come to more than $9.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, which was more than triple the estimate in 2022. Since 2017, the Defense Department has spent around $2.6 billion to address PFAS, according to a Government Accountability report from February. The bill states that covered health conditions would be identified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the agency administrator of the Department of Health and Human Services' registry for toxic substances and diseases. Their suggestions would come from studies directed by Congress in the annual defense bill for fiscal year 2018, which are ongoing from the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC's website on health investigations states that existing research suggests that high levels of PFAS could lead to increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, decreases in birth weight, and increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers. The bill specifically calls for health care coverage of perfluorooctanoic acid exposures for veterans diagnosed with high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Other iterations of the legislation have been previously introduced. Some Democratic senators have expressed interest in crafting their own PFAS bill, but nothing formal has been introduced yet, a spokesperson for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee told Task & Purpose. The issue of forever chemicals on military bases and their health impacts on military families has been gaining support in Congress. In April, Senate Democrats held an event on the Hill with former service members and their families who called for a broadening of the PACT Act. At the April event, military families described cancers and other illnesses they believe are the result of PFAS exposures, including former bases like George Air Force Base, California, which later became superfund sites, a designation by the EPA as one of the most polluted sites in the U.S. Despite the designation, the families based there were never notified of their potential exposure. The PACT Act also established a framework for the VA to establish presumptive conditions without an act of Congress through the federal rule-making process. The VA began the process for defining PFAS exposure as a presumptive health condition for VA care with a federal register notice in September. However, an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January paused all federal rule-making. Navy SEAL Team 6 operator will be the military's new top enlisted leader Veterans receiving disability payments might have been underpaid, IG finds Guam barracks conditions are 'baffling,' Navy admiral says in email Navy fires admiral in charge of unmanned systems office after investigation The Pentagon wants troops to change duty stations less often
