Comprehensive Approach to Addressing PFAS Exposure

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Regulations concerning six chemicals focus solely on removing them from drinking water, which accounts for only 20% of overall PFAS exposure. PFAS exposure occurs through various channels like ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact due to their presence in products such as carpets, furniture, dental floss, raincoats, and more. Cities and towns must test, monitor, and filter the chemicals from the water supply, but this might be costly and not fully resolve the issue.

The Environmental Protection Agency has begun for the first time to regulate a class of synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” in America’s drinking water.

Kim Tingley, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, explains how these chemicals, which have been linked to liver disease and other serious health problems, came to be in the water supply — and in many more places.

Guest: Kim Tingley, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine.

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