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Why is rainwater unsafe for drinking?

indiatimes.com - Rainwater Is Not Safe To Drink Anymore Across The Globe. Here's ...

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We all have known rainwater as the purest form of water but new research revealed that rainwater at various locations on earth exceeded the chemical safety level and is not fit for drinking. As per the research, PFAS i.e. synthetic substances are found in the water. They are considered 'forever chemicals' because they remain in the environment for years. Published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the research conducted at the University of Stockholm, showed that PFAS substances are found in the rainwater in most locations on the earth. There is no place left where its imprints are not found including Antarctica.

What is PFAS?

PFAS stands for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, which have non-stick or stain repellent properties and are used in non-stick pans, fire-fighting foam and water-repellent clothes, food packaging, electronics, cosmetics etc.

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They are a large family of manmade chemicals and don’t occur in nature. PFAS are also called ‘forever chemicals’ as they do not break down in the environment. The presence of these harmful substances has increased their presence over the past few years across the globe. PFAS can cause various types of health risks including cancer, though the study is yet to be concluded.

What does the study reveal?

The study undertook 4 specific chemicals in the class and observed that “levels of one PFAS in rainwater around the world often "greatly exceed" drinking water advisory levels of the US and the soil across the globe is also contaminated. The study raises concerns regarding the presence of these dangerous substances in drinking water. Further, they are widely in use as over 4,500 of these fluorine-based compounds are found in everyday items such as food packaging, non-stick cookware, adhesives, paints etc. Ian Cousins, the lead author of the study and professor at the Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University said, "We argue here that we're not within this safe operating space anymore, because we now have these chemicals everywhere, and these safety advisories, we can't achieve them anymore.” "I'm not saying that we're all going to die of these effects. But we're in a place now where you can't live anywhere on the planet, and be sure that the environment is safe," he added.

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The researchers from Stockholm University suggested that the use of these substances should be restricted.

Rainwater is unsafe to drink

With new results on the toxicity of these harmful substances, the safety guideline levels have gone down over the past two decades. Prof Ian said, “Based on the latest US guidelines for PFOA in drinking water, rainwater everywhere would be judged unsafe to drink.” He further said, “Although in the industrial world we don’t often drink rainwater, many people around the world expect it to be safe to drink and it supplies many of our drinking water sources.” The water guidelines values of PFOA or perfluorooctanoic acid, one of the cancer-causing substances, have declined by 37.5 million times in the United States.

How is it posing a health threat?

This is a great concern and as suggested by the researchers of the study that it is “vitally important” to restrict their prevalence. According to the BBC report, exposure to high-level PFAS poses various health risks including some cancers, fertility issues and developmental delays in children. The health risks of being exposed to these substances have been researched widely. Scientists suggest their linkage to fertility problems, increased risk of cancer and developmental delays in children. However, several researchers claim that no cause and effect can be proven between these chemicals and poor health. The study underlines the need for a precautionary approach. Prof Crispin Halsall from the University of Lancaster told BBC "...over time, we are going to get a statistically significant impact of those chemicals on human health…and…because we're exceeding those concentrations which are going to cause some harm, because of exposure to humans in their drinking water."

indiatimes.com - Rainwater Is Not Safe To Drink Anymore Across The Globe. Here's ...

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