forever chemicals

Firefighters around the country are concerned that gear laced with PFAS, a group of toxic industrial compounds, could be one reason for cancer among their ranks.

In Florida, the latest drinking water results show an “alarming level” of PFAS compounds at the Orangewood Water System in Holiday and in the city of Pembroke Pines.

Despite scores of lawsuits by its personnel and high rates of testicular cancer among troops, the military has been slow to investigate a connection to PFAS.

As drought and climate change threaten water supplies, municipalities around the country are ramping up water reuse efforts. But they have to overcome the “yuk” factor.

At a meeting Tuesday, county leaders discussed the plans, which include taking steps to ensure residents’ water is safe from the dangers of 1,4 Dioxane.

These forever chemicals aren’t broken down easily by the body, or in nature, and in small amounts over a prolonged time can cause cancer as well as miscarriages.

Environmental activists says the pricey EPA proposals won't stop the chemicals from making their way into the air, waste or consumer products, nor would it clean up existing contamination.

The U.S. Geological Survey said "forever chemicals" are in private wells in addition to public systems. The agency based its report on samples taken from 716 locations.

3M is a leading maker of PFAS chemicals used widely in firefighting foams and many nonstick and grease-resistant consumer products. They're described as “forever chemicals” because they don’t degrade naturally in the environment.

The full health risks of wearing apparel made with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are still unknown. But states are taking action so clothing makers will remove them.