"Toxic Tap: 160M Americans at Risk from Hazardous Chemicals in Drinking Water"

American drinking water has been under scrutiny following the release of a report that reveals the widespread presence of hazardous chemicals in water supplies across the country. The findings have raised concerns about the safety of tap water and the need for stricter regulations to protect public health.

The report, compiled by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization focused on environmental and public health issues, analyzed data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and found that more than 160 million Americans are exposed to potentially unsafe levels of contaminants in their drinking water. The contaminants include a wide range of chemicals, such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), lead, and arsenic.

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, leading to a range of health problems, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues in children.

The report highlights the fact that the EPA's current regulations for PFAS are not stringent enough to protect public health. The agency has set a health advisory level for PFAS in drinking water at 70 parts per trillion (ppt), but the EWG argues that this level is too high and does not adequately protect vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children.

The presence of lead in drinking water has also been a major concern in recent years, particularly following the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause severe health problems, especially in children, and has been linked to learning disabilities and behavioral issues. The report found that more than 5,300 water systems in the United States have lead levels above the EPA's action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

Arsenic is another contaminant that has been found in drinking water supplies across the country. Arsenic is a carcinogen that can cause skin, lung, and bladder cancer, as well as other health problems. The report found that more than 3,000 water systems have arsenic levels above the EPA's maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 ppb.

The findings of the report underscore the need for stronger regulations and increased investment in water infrastructure to ensure the safety of drinking