Why researchers and regulators have more questions than answers about PFAS
PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals, are found in lots of everyday products from pizza boxes to dental floss. Why don't scientists know if they're safe?
Listen 13:39
Gary Steinberg raises a hand to ask a question following a presentation by the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the findings of an initial study on the presence of chemicals found in local drinking water. (Kriston Jae Bethel for WHYY)
Communities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have grown increasingly worried about a class of toxic chemicals known as PFAS. These “forever chemicals” are in lots of consumer products from pizza boxes to dental floss. And they’ve been found to have contaminated soil and drinking water. But as fears about the potential health effects grow, researchers and regulators say they still have more questions than answers. Why don’t we know more about PFAS? WHYY health and science reporter Dana Bate explains on this episode of The Why.
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Philly-area water providers grapple with potential costs of reducing toxic ‘forever chemicals’
Drinking water providers are seeking funding to cover the costs of eliminating toxic PFAS from its water supplies.
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Bucks and Montco residents learn more about their exposure to the toxic chemicals in PFAS study
As part of a federal study, more than 1,000 Montco and Bucks residents tested their blood for the toxic class of chemicals.
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Besides water, how else am I exposed to PFAS?
Clothing, carpeting, even microwave popcorn bags may have been manufactured using some members of this toxic class of chemicals.
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