Clean Water Crisis: Millions Exposed to Contaminated Drinking Water - AI Podcast
Story at-a-glance
- Recent studies show tap water containing unregulated contaminants affects over 97 million Americans, with higher concentrations in areas with more Hispanic or Black residents
- PFAS "forever chemicals" found in 45% of water systems near urban areas are linked to increased risk of digestive, lung, thyroid and other cancers
- Common contaminants include trihalomethanes from chlorine treatment, nitrates from agricultural runoff and arsenic from natural deposits, plus lead and fluoride
- Researchers estimate PFAS in drinking water may cause 4,626 to 6,864 new cancer cases annually in the U.S.
- Solutions include checking your water quality report, installing appropriate water filtration systems and advocating for cleaner water in your community
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