Global groundwater is contaminated by ‘forever’ chemicals at alarming levels, study reveals
Global groundwater is contaminated by 'forever' chemicals at alarming levels, study reveals Environmental Health News
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In a recent analysis, researchers discovered widespread contamination of groundwater with PFAS chemicals, raising serious health concerns.
Sandee LaMotte reports for CNN.
In short:
- PFAS chemicals, known for their persistence in the environment, exceed safe levels in 31% of global groundwater samples, challenging regulatory standards.
- Exposure to PFAS is linked with various health issues, including cancer and hormone disruption, and these substances are present in 98% of Americans’ blood.
- The study emphasizes the ubiquity of PFAS, found from the Arctic to Mount Everest, and underscores the need for stricter chemical policies and testing.
Key quote:
“These are chemicals that are just incredibly ubiquitous around the globe because of their release by manufacturers and how they have spread into the soil, air and water.”
— David Andrews, senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group
Why this matters:
This analysis underscores the pervasive threat that PFAS pose to global health, penetrating even the most remote water sources. What are PFAS? Everything you need to know about “forever chemicals” and how to avoid them.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator: Widespread contamination of groundwater with PFAS chemicals, raising serious health concerns |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials | Indicator: PFAS chemicals exceeding safe levels in 31% of global groundwater samples |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment | Indicator: Ubiquity of PFAS chemicals found from the Arctic to Mount Everest, highlighting the need for stricter chemical policies and testing |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these three SDGs. The contamination of groundwater with PFAS chemicals poses a threat to human health and well-being (SDG 3). It also relates to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) as the chemicals exceed safe levels in global groundwater samples. Additionally, the article emphasizes the need for stricter chemical policies and testing, which aligns with responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
The article’s content highlights the need to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals in air, water, and soil (Target 3.9). It also emphasizes the importance of improving water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals (Target 6.3). Furthermore, it calls for the environmentally sound management of chemicals and reducing their release to minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment (Target 12.4).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Widespread contamination of groundwater with PFAS chemicals, raising serious health concerns
- PFAS chemicals exceeding safe levels in 31% of global groundwater samples
- Ubiquity of PFAS chemicals found from the Arctic to Mount Everest, highlighting the need for stricter chemical policies and testing
These indicators reflect the extent of contamination, the presence of hazardous chemicals in groundwater, and the need for stronger policies and testing to address the issue.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Widespread contamination of groundwater with PFAS chemicals, raising serious health concerns |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials | PFAS chemicals exceeding safe levels in 31% of global groundwater samples |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment | Ubiquity of PFAS chemicals found from the Arctic to Mount Everest, highlighting the need for stricter chemical policies and testing |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ehn.org
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