Millions of people in the United States are at an increased risk of cancer and other ailments due to consumption of contaminated tap water, according to a report published by a leading environmental group. The Environmental Working Group claimed that tap water consumed by Americans on a daily basis has been found to contain 56 contaminants over the past two years. The contaminants include pesticides and radioactive materials, and the alarming phenomenon has been attributed to decaying infrastructure and the pollution from toxic “forever chemicals” abundant in water, air, food or even in shampoo or makeup.

The researchers studied nearly 50,000 water systems over the past two years from across the US to compile the report.

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) disintegrate extremely slowly, earning them the nickname of “forever chemicals”.

Once ingested, they accumulate in the body and can lead to fertility, developmental delays in children, increased risks of obesity or certain cancers (prostate, kidney and testicular) and other health problems including increased cholesterol levels. PFAS can also diminish a person’s immune response to certain infections or after a vaccine.

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The PFAS can be found in food packaging, such as pizza boxes, and certain cleaning products, paints, varnishes or coatings. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the US, the widespread use of products with PFAS makes it “challenging to study and assess the extent of potential human health and environmental risks.”

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“Many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment,” the EPA said on its official website.

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US President Joe Biden’s administration is yet to implement a strategy announced earlier this month to regulate PFAS chemicals.

Contaminated water in the US made headlines in recent years following revelations that more than 25,000 people in Flint, In August 2020, Michigan agreed to pay about $600 million in compensation to residents, including more than 5,000 children, who were harmed by contaminated water.