Fresh water is one of the most valuable resources on Earth, and it’s becoming increasingly scarce. If we pollute what little fresh water we have, there won’t be any way to replace it. One of the growing threats to our water supply is a group of man-made chemicals called PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances are designed to last, making them very stable and difficult to break down. Because of this, they can easily travel through air, water, and soil, eventually ending up in our drinking water and even in rain.
PFAS and the Great Lakes
A recent study focused on the presence of PFAS in the Great Lakes, which hold a significant portion of the world’s fresh water. Researchers collected water, air, and rain samples between 2021 and 2022 from various locations, including major cities like Chicago and Cleveland, as well as more remote sites in Michigan and New York. Their aim was to understand how these chemicals get into the lakes and how they are removed.
Key Findings of the Study
- Ubiquitous Presence in Rain: The study found that PFAS levels in rainfall were about the same across all sampling locations. This suggests that these chemicals are widespread in the environment and are not just a problem in urban or industrial areas.
- Higher PFAS in Air Near Cities: Air samples revealed that PFAS concentrations were higher in more populated areas like Cleveland, while lower levels were found in less populated places like Sleeping Bear Dunes. This indicates that human activity is a significant source of airborne PFAS.
- Lake Water Contamination Varied: Among the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario showed the highest levels of PFAS contamination, followed by Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and finally, Lake Superior. Although the concentrations of some older PFAS types, such as PFOS and PFOA, have declined over the years, newer versions like PFBA remain a concern.
How Do PFAS Enter and Leave the Great Lakes?
PFAS primarily enter the lakes through rainfall, which carries the chemicals from the atmosphere into the water. Once in the lakes, the chemicals either settle to the bottom with particles or flow out through connecting rivers and channels. The study found that the northern Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, and Huron—are accumulating PFAS over time. In contrast, Lake Ontario appears to be better at flushing the chemicals out, while Lake Erie has remained stable in its levels of contamination.
Health Concerns Linked to PFAS
PFAS have been associated with a range of health issues, including hormone disruption, immune system effects, and certain cancers. Recognizing the risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently classified two of the most well-known PFAS compounds—PFOS and PFOA—as hazardous substances, imposing limits on their concentrations in drinking water.
The Need for Action
The Great Lakes are an essential source of fresh water for millions of people in the U.S. and Canada, with about 10% of the U.S. population and 30% of Canada’s population living in the surrounding region. Although some progress has been made in reducing the presence of older PFAS, this study highlights the need for stronger measures to manage all types of these chemicals and prevent them from contaminating our water sources.
Safeguarding Our Fresh Water
The reality is that our freshwater supply is limited, and once it’s polluted, it’s incredibly difficult to clean up. The discovery of PFAS in not just the lakes, but also the air and rain, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to keep these “forever chemicals” out of our environment. For the sake of public health and the availability of clean drinking water, we must prioritize stricter regulations and more effective pollution control efforts.
Based on article found here https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240516122547.htm