The Hidden Cancer Risk Lurking In Your Tap Water & How To Protect Yourself

For decades, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been quietly infiltrating our lives—coating nonstick pans, waterproofing outdoor gear, and even making their way into our drinking water. 

But a new study1 has shed troubling light on the potential health risks posed by these "forever chemicals." 

PFAS have been used since the 1940s2 in various consumer products for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil. However, their persistence in the environment—and our bodies—has raised growing concerns. 

These chemicals don't break down easily, meaning they accumulate over time, especially in drinking water sources.

To complicate matters further, PFAS are not a single chemical but a family of thousands, including types such as PFBS, PFHxS, PFBA, PFOA, PFNA, and PFHpA—all with varying levels of toxicity and health implications.

The recent study1 analyzed county-level cancer data from 2016 to 2021, comparing it with PFAS contamination levels recorded in public water systems.

The research estimated that PFAS-contaminated drinking water could be responsible for approximately 4,626 to 6,864 new cancer cases per year in the U.S. alone. With such staggering numbers, it's clear that PFAS pollution isn't just an environmental issue—it's a public health crisis.

In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency3 has recently tightened regulations, setting Maximum Contaminant Levels for several PFAS compounds, including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS.

Using water filters is one of the best ways to ensure your water is clean and free from harmful contaminants. In fact, they're becoming more of a necessity than a luxury.

Experts recommend reverse osmosis filters as the most effective way to remove a wide range of impurities from tap water, while the EPA suggests that activated carbon filters are particularly useful for reducing PFAS.