“Forever Chemicals” Found in Quad City Drinking Water

DuPont created its popular Teflon Cooking Spray in 1946. According to Environmental Working Group (EWG), it's waterproof compounds called PFAS are not good for us, and are even found in the water in the Quad Cities.

Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS have become a concern with the widespread use of them in firefighting foams and teflon.

The EPA recommends having PFAS levels below 70 parts-per-trillion (ppt). After EWG tested 44 cities, 43 of the cities were found with levels of PFAS, one of which was the Quad Cities, which was at 109.76ppt, almost 40ppt over the suggested "safe" range.

PFAS have been linked to organ failure, fertility issues, and immune system compromisation.

In addition to the general Quad Cities testing, The Rock Island Arsenal made the "Military Bases" section of places tested for PFAS, with the source being suspected to be Fire Fighting Foam at a total of 36.1ppt.

Albany, IL (near Clinton, IA) drinking water was found to have PFAS, but a suspected source was not listed. The water was found to have PFAS levels of 30ppt.

Galesburg, IL's drinking water was found to have PFAS levels of 23ppt.

Looks like we need to go back to the days where we drink beer instead of water because it's cleaner.

Read more at EWG