Risk of cancer from PFAS: These cities in MV warn against drinking water!

Risk of cancer from PFAS: These cities in MV warn against drinking water!

In the last few months there has been worrying news for consumers in northern Germany: A comprehensive analysis by the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) has shown that traces of so-called eternal chemicals, or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), were detected in almost all drinking water samples examined. These harmful substances were found in 42 of 46 samples, but the current legal limits were not exceeded. Still, this raises concerns as PFAS are suspected of causing liver damage as well as kidney and testicular cancer.

As BUND managing director Verena Graichen emphasizes, PFAS have arrived in the water cycle - they can even be found in mineral water fountains. These chemicals are used in industry to make everyday items such as anoraks, pans and cosmetics. Currently, only a small proportion of the thousands of individual PFAS substances in existence are regulated. The European Union plans to impose stricter restrictions on PFAS as the risks of health effects become increasingly clear. New limit values ​​for water samples are expected in the next few years, which will come into force from 2026 and 2028. Three places checked – Zeuthen, Ludwigslust and Güstrow – already exceeded these future limit values.

Production and use of PFAS

But where do these harmful substances actually come from? PFAS are used in numerous products that appear harmless in themselves. Among other things, they have been used for years in the production of clothing, kitchen utensils and cosmetics. Full regulation of these chemicals is still pending and the list of hazardous substances is continually updated. For example, PFOA and its salts have been banned under the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Directive since July 4, 2020, and further regulations are in the works. The ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) has already classified numerous PFAS as substances of very high concern.

Another problem is that PFAS can enter the food chain through various routes. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), seafood, fruit and eggs are the main contributors to PFAS exposure in the human diet. The maximum tolerable weekly level for certain PFAS is 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight. It is important for consumers to keep a close eye on food safety, especially with regard to animal products and imported foods.

The way forward

The rampant detection of PFAS in drinking water also brings with it an appeal to all consumers: When shopping, pay attention to products that are labeled “PFAS-free”. By reducing your consumption of animal products and making conscious purchasing decisions, your intake of PFAS can be reduced. The BUND also calls for stricter regulation and the application of the polluter pays principle - because one thing is clear: there is something to be done!

The coming months will be crucial in determining how the situation regarding PFAS contamination develops. The EU and ECHA have important decisions to make that could have far-reaching consequences for health and the environment. Consumers in northern Germany and beyond should remain vigilant and keep themselves informed about developments.

For further information on PFAS and their effects, visit Nordkurier and ECHA.