A groundbreaking study led by researchers from UC Berkeley School of Public Health has shed light on a concerning issue that has the potential to impact communities of color disproportionately. The study found that public water wells in these communities might be at a higher risk of being polluted by pesticides contaminated with harmful per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” have been in use since the 1940s and can pose serious health risks such as lower antibody response and changes in liver enzymes. The Environmental Protection Agency recently set a maximum contaminant level for PFAS in drinking water, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue.
The study, published in ACS ES&T Water, is the first of its kind to evaluate PFAS contamination from pesticides in California and to focus on environmental justice. The researchers analyzed statewide pesticide application data and discovered a concerning pattern. Communities with a higher proportion of Latinx and non-Latinx people of color were found to be exposed to more PFAS applications near their water supply wells.
This discovery raises important questions about the impact of pesticide use on water quality and the potential health implications for residents in these communities. Are current monitoring efforts sufficient to detect PFAS contamination from pesticides? What steps can be taken to address the disproportionate exposure of communities of color to these harmful substances?
Moving forward, it will be crucial to conduct further research and monitoring to identify areas at high risk of PFAS contamination and to implement remediation measures. Collaborative efforts like the Drinking Water Tool developed by UC Berkeley’s Water Equity Science Shop aim to support universal access to safe drinking water and address environmental injustices.
As we await the results of ongoing monitoring efforts, it is evident that more needs to be done to safeguard the water quality of rural, predominantly Latinx communities. By raising awareness and taking proactive measures, we can work towards ensuring that all communities have access to clean and safe drinking water.
