Forever chemicals in Illinois water

When I was little, I’d walk down to the creek that runs through the forest in my family’s backyard. Every time, the water would look so inviting that I would want to take a drink, though I never did because I’m sure it’s not safe. What many Americans don’t realize is that our drinking water might not be safe either — because of contamination from a class of toxic human-made chemicals called PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they never break down and can build up in the environment and our bodies. Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancer, immune system deficiencies, high cholesterol, low fertility and child development issues. Two ways PFAS enter our drinking water are through industrial discharges and firefighting foams. In Illinois, officials have identified PFAS in Chicago’s drinking water.

Congress should phase out the use of PFAS in firefighting foam and require the Environmental Protection Agency to stop manufacturers from dumping PFAS in our waterways and create drinking water regulations for PFAS.

With that end in mind, Environment America and U.S. Public Interest Research Group, along with 80 other organizations including Environment Illinois and Illinois PIRG, submitted a letter to the U.S. Senate calling for legislation that protects our drinking water from PFAS.

All Illinoisans should call on their senators to turn off the tap on toxic PFAS.

— Hajrah Jalil, federal office, Environment America, Washington