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Combatting forever chemicals in our drinking water

Tap water is seen in this photo illustration in Washington, DC.
Tap water is seen in this photo illustration in Washington, DC.

At least one water system in every state across the U.S. contains forever chemicals known as PFAS, according to the Environmental Working Group. PFAS are widely-used chemicals present in everything from cosmetics to fast food wrappers. They also don’t break down in the environment.

Because they stick around for so long, low levels of PFAS can be found almost everywhere – in water, soil, wildlife – and in us. In fact, the CDC found that these chemicals are in nearly everyone’s blood.PFAS exposure has been linked to a host of health issues including cancer and birth defects.

A new advisory from the EPA effectively eliminates any safe level of PFAS found in water.But how do you get rid of them? And what do you need to know to keep yourself safe?

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Michelle Harven