{"id":3698,"date":"2023-08-28T17:32:57","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T17:32:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lifewaterreport.com\/?p=3698"},"modified":"2023-08-28T17:48:23","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T17:48:23","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-pfas-and-fertility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifewaterreport.com\/what-you-need-to-know-about-pfas-and-fertility\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Forever Chemicals contaminate tap water? What You Need to Know About PFAS and Fertility"},"content":{"rendered":"

Statistics reveal that one in eight couples in the United States grapples with fertility issues, a disturbing trend that continues to escalate. Often lifestyle choices and unidentified medical factors are blamed, but research now identifies a more hazardous factor — polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “forever chemicals.”<\/p>\n

Tap Water is the major source of PFAS exposure and toxic chemicals in your drinking water. In this article, we will find ways to improve our water quality with water reports and methods to remove PFAS by making lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n

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What Are PFAS?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Synthetic compounds with these properties have a wide range of applications, including resistance to water and grease. Because of their resistance to natural degradation, PFAS is found in everything from tap water, and Teflon pans to water-resistant garments and food packaging.<\/p>\n

Widespread Contamination<\/strong>
\nReports based on EPA data suggest that over 1,500 textile mills in the U.S. potentially discharge PFAS. Furthermore, military bases and airports predominantly contribute to this contamination, largely through the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. This discharge not only poisons the environment but affects neighboring communities through groundwater and tap water contamination.<\/p>\n

PFAS in Your Drinking Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It’s not just industrial areas that are concerned; PFAS has found its way into the American drinking water supply. Alarmingly, over 200 million Americans are affected, consuming between 70,000 and 100,000 pounds of toxic chemicals, including PFAS. This contamination has been grossly underestimated, with water quality reports often failing to capture the extent of the problem.<\/p>\n

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PFAS and Fertility: What’s the link?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Several studies draw a direct line between PFAS exposure and fertility issues.<\/p>\n

An extensive study observed 50,000 births in Minnesota, finding that high PFAS levels were associated with increased rates of infertility, premature birth, and low birth weight. Further studies in 2022 substantiated these findings, establishing that maternal PFAS exposure also impacts sperm count and quality in young men.<\/p>\n

In Oakdale, Minnesota, a city used for a pivotal PFAS study, women of reproductive age experienced a decrease in fertility rates of up to 25%. Babies born during the study period were 36% more likely to be underweight and 45% more likely to be born prematurely.<\/p>\n

Studies are increasingly showing a correlation between exposure to these chemicals and various health impacts, including liver damage, thyroid issues, and notably, fertility problems.<\/p>\n

Health Risks Beyond Fertility
\nOther studies confirm that maternal exposure to PFAS leads to an elevated likelihood of various severe health issues. These include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n