Scientists analyzed the water of around 36 thousand Americans, from all over the united states. They checked for any chemical that was not supposed to be there, they found high levels of Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances. That class of chemicals is used in manufacturing, because it repels water. They put it in paint, food packaging, foam (for fire extinguishers) and even leather.

What problems can this have?

They have linked those chemicals to a large amount of problems like hormone disruption, higher cholesterol, obesity and even kidney cancer. They linger for years in the body and almost never break down in the environment.

How can you protect yourself?

Sadly we have no treatment plants that actually get it out of the water and no home treatment can do it. Bottled water has far less safety regulations and they release safety reports years after they have been made, but that may be your only option depending on where you live.

We do not yet know how it gets into our water.

What places are the worst?

The places (in order) of the places with the highest number of detections are:
California, New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Georgia, Minnesota, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Illinois.

This city was the worst city they tested, if you live in or anywhere around this city do not drink the tap water.
Hoosick Falls, NY

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(royalty free)