| Dear Friend, |
| PFAS are everywhere. |
| Toxic PFAS are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals found in everyday products like waterproof jackets, food packaging, and nonstick pans. They also pollute the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the drinking water for over half of the people living across this country. |
| Unfortunately, PFAS also pollute groundwater and surface water bodies that are home to myriad aquatic species. These waters are also an important source of water for irrigation and food production, and are used for many different forms of recreation, such as swimming, boating, and fishing. |
| PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are nearly impossible to get rid of and persist in humans and in the environment for decades. Today, more than 97% of the U.S. population has PFAS in their bodies. |
| While the extent of surface water and groundwater contamination of PFAS is largely unknown, we know that harmful levels have been found in water samples worldwide. |
| So what can be done about it? |
| A major way that PFAS contaminates water supplies is when industrial releases from big factories get into sewage treatment plants. These plants aren’t built to handle PFAS, so chemicals just pass through and end up in our rivers and lakes. |
| Right now, there are no rules requiring the treatment plants to check for PFAS, allowing for the plants to overlook the issue. And on top of that, there are no clear guidelines for how big factories should treat their wastewater that contains PFAS before it goes to the sewage treatment plants. |
| This needs to change. It’s time we demand real action from our environmental regulators and ensure that industries responsible for PFAS pollution are held accountable. |
| PFAS exposure in human populations is linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including kidney and testicular cancer, endocrine disruption, and immune system suppression. Wildlife is also impacted by PFAS with one study showing liver damage and reproductive issues in more than 600 species. |
| Urge EPA to start regulating PFAS in Clean Water Act permits for industrial sources including wastewater treatment plants. We need to remove PFAS before it even gets a chance to contaminate our waterways. Send your message today. |
