Economic Impact of ‘Forever Chemicals’ Estimated at $8 Billion Annually

The contamination of drinking water with so-called “forever chemicals” is costing the United States at least $8 billion annually in social costs, according to a study led by the University of Arizona. The research highlights the significant health impacts associated with exposure to PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – and underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures and cleanup efforts.

In examining all births in New Hampshire from 2010 to 2019, the research team focused on mothers living near PFAS-contaminated sites. Their findings reveal alarming trends: mothers using water from wells located downstream of contaminated areas experienced higher rates of first-year infant mortality and more preterm births, including instances of infants born before 28 weeks. Additionally, the study found a notable increase in low birth weights, with some infants weighing less than 2.2 pounds.

These results provide new evidence from real-world exposure across a significant population, building on earlier laboratory and public health studies. By extrapolating to the contiguous United States, researchers estimate the economic toll of PFAS contamination on newborns to be at least $8 billion each year, encompassing medical care, long-term health implications, and diminished lifetime earnings.

Long-Term Benefits of PFAS Cleanup

The study strongly suggests that cleaning up PFAS from drinking water could yield substantial health benefits. Not only would this lead to improved health outcomes for affected populations, but it could also result in significant long-term economic advantages. Researchers note that the potential savings from enhanced health and productivity could far outweigh the costs associated with cleanup efforts.

PFAS were originally developed for their ability to create protective coatings that resist heat, oil, and water, finding applications across numerous products and in firefighting activities. They have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” due to their durability and resistance to natural degradation in the environment.

The research specifically focuses on two long-chain PFAS compounds – PFOA and PFOS – which are no longer manufactured in the United States but continue to leach into groundwater from contaminated soils. Previous studies indicated potential health risks from PFAS exposure, especially for infants, yet they struggled to establish a method for analyzing exposure effectively.

This study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides critical insights into how these negative health outcomes can impact children throughout their lives. The research expands on earlier findings by quantifying the long-term effects on health and economic stability due to PFAS exposure.

Dr. Tim Sandle, a microbiologist and Editor-at-Large for Digital Journal, emphasizes the need for immediate action in addressing PFAS contamination. The data indicate that regulatory measures could offer a dual benefit: improving public health and alleviating significant economic burdens associated with healthcare and lost productivity.

As discussions around environmental health continue to gain traction, this study serves as a clarion call for policymakers to prioritize the eradication of PFAS from drinking water systems. The potential for improved health outcomes and economic savings makes a compelling case for urgent intervention.