Study Reveals Excessive Global Groundwater Contamination by Toxic "Forever Chemicals"

The articles discuss the presence and potential health and environmental impacts of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," due to their persistence in the environment. According to the articles, about 31% of groundwater samples tested contained PFAS, with some not near any obvious sources of contamination. Similarly, 16% of surface water samples tested, which were also not near known sources, had detectable levels of these chemicals. The articles note that Australia is one of several hotspots for PFAS contamination, and more than 14,000 human-made chemicals fall under this category, including PFHxS, PFOS, and PFOA. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues such as cancers and thyroid gland problems. Furthermore, 31% of groundwater samples exceeded proposed threshold limits for these chemicals in March 2023. The articles suggest that more research is needed to fully understand the true scale and potential impacts of PFAS contamination.