PFAS

For the first time, the federal government is putting limits on “forever chemicals” called PFAS in the nation’s drinking water – a move that will protect communities across the Mountain West.

A new study shows that nearly half of the nation’s drinking water contains “forever chemicals” – or PFAS – that may cause cancer and other health problems. And some especially high contamination levels were detected in the Mountain West.

There’s a lot of concern about PFAS chemicals that have seeped into waterways in the Mountain West. But some researchers are finding that bacteria can help clean them up.

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new drinking water standards this week for PFAS — the increasingly pervasive toxic chemicals that are highly prevalent in Colorado.

A new study shows that eating a single serving of freshwater fish in the U.S. can be equal to drinking a month’s worth of water laced with “forever chemicals.”

PFAS chemicals are in some ski waxes, which then get into the environment, groundwater and even our bodies, possibly causing health issues. Now, a partnership between a Colorado wax company and college students has resulted in a take-back program.

Products like non-stick pans and waterproof jackets have something in common – they’re often made with chemicals known as PFAS. But the man-made chemicals don’t break down in the environment – or our bodies. And they’re suspected of causing cancer and other health problems. The Mountain West News Bureau’s Madelyn Beck reports on efforts to ban PFAS in a popular winter product – ski wax.

Congressional lawmakers had a hearing Tuesday on PFAS: a group of man-made chemicals known to cause illnesses, cancer and damaged immune systems in children. Researchers said we need to know more about which of the thousands of PFAS chemicals are most dangerous, how to efficiently clean them out of the environment and how to limit their creation and spread.