A new report by the Environment Missouri Research & Policy Center analyzed water testing data from 20 waterways in Missouri and found PFAS -- or the synthetic chemicals often referred to as forever chemicals -- at all 20 sites. Over 44 types of PFAS were identified.
Forever chemicals are found in many everyday items such as nonstick cookware, fire-fighting foam, cosmetics and fast food packaging. Once present, John Rumpler, author of the report, says these chemicals persist for decades.
'hey have been linked to increased risks of some cancers, immune system suppression, reproductive and developmental effects and other adverse health outcomes," he said.
A few of the locations that tested positive for PFAS include Deer Creek in Ladue, Coldwater Creek in North County and Belleau Creek in St. Charles County. Rumpler says since all the sites that were tested ended up being positive, it's likely other waterways in Missouri contain PFAS too.
'It's very difficult to get PFAS out of river, lakes, and streams," Rumpler said. "There are filters that can removed PFAS from drinking water and, thankfully, in 2024 the E.P.A. did establish the first ever national limits on at least 6 different types or mixtures of these PFAS chemicals."
Rumpler says the current E.P.A. has proposed delaying or rescinding those standards.
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It can take decades to remove those chemicals from natural environments.
It can take decades to remove those chemicals from natural environments.
