Study links PFAS in U.S. drinking water to higher cancer risks

A new study links PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water to increased cancer risks, particularly affecting the digestive, endocrine, and respiratory systems. The research analyzed cancer data from 2016 to 2021 across 1,080 counties. The study found significant associations between specific PFAS chemicals and various cancers, including thyroid and lung cancers. It estimated that PFAS exposure contributes to approximately 4,626 to 6,864 cancer cases annually in the U.S. Sex-specific differences were noted, with males showing higher risks for certain cancers and females for others. The findings underscore the need for further research and highlight the importance of recent U.S. EPA regulations on PFAS in drinking water.