How New Jersey tamped down PFAS in drinking water
4/20/202612 min
Nearly all Americans have some type of PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in their blood. The chemicals, which are linked to numerous health issues, were first regulated in drinking water at the federal level two years ago (though some limits have been rolled back).
But, back in 2018, New Jersey became the first state to adopt its own drinking water standards for PFAS. Now, researchers at Rutgers University have crunched the data to see how well it worked. They found that levels of the regulated chemicals dropped by as much as 55%.
Host Ira Flatow talks with the lead author of the study, cancer epidemiologist Hari Iyer about the significance of his findings and his plans to study the possible link between PFAS and prostate cancer.
Want to filter PFAS from your tap at home? Learn more:
- Identifying Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce PFAS via EPA
- Home Water Treatment for PFAS via PennState Extension
Guest:
Dr. Hari Iyer is an assistant professor of cancer epidemiology and health outcomes at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
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First 90 secondsSpeaker 00:00
WNYC Studios is supported by Total Wine & More. Spring weekends are upon us. The yard is full of blooms, the grill is fired up, and family gathers around the patio table. Before everyone arrives, stop by your local Total Wine & More to pick up a few bottles of wine, usually a beloved Cabernet or a new find to share. With such a wide selection, it's easy to find something amazing, and the great prices make it easy to grab an extra bottle for everyone to enjoy. If you're not sure what to pick, their team can help point you in the right direction. Find what you love and love what you find, only at Total Wine & More. Curbside pickup and delivery available in most areas. Visit totalwine.com to learn more. Spirits not sold in Virginia and North Carolina. Drink responsibly. Must be twenty-one. WNYC Studios is supported by Bayer. Science is a rigorous process that requires questions, testing, transparency, and results that can be proven. This approach is integral to every breakthrough Bayer brings forward, innovations that save lives and feed the world. Sciencedelivers.com.
Speaker 11:01
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