Are you curious about the health of your local tap water?

Look no further. Visit EWG.org and enter your zip code. Get a full report on the contaminants in your municipal water supply & the best ways to filter.

EWG.org is a nonprofit organization that empowers people to live healthier lives, their tap water database is a comprehensive resource that allows users to search for contaminants in their local tap water. The database contains information on over 300 contaminants detected in U.S. drinking water systems, including lead, arsenic, and pesticides. By using this database, individuals can learn about tap water quality & take steps to protect their health.

Since the 1950s, over 9,000 "forever chemicals" have been introduced into our environment called, PFAS. Forever chemicals, do not break down in the environment and can persist for decades, even centuries.

These chemicals are found in a wide range of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and in industrial processes such as firefighting foam. PFAS are linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental disorders like ADHD and Autism. In addition to their impact on human health, PFAS have been shown to contaminate soil, water, and air. They are resistant to degradation and can travel long distances, making them a global environmental concern. Once released into the environment, PFAS accumulate in the food chain and have harmful effects on wildlife. The impact of forever chemicals like PFAS on our environment is a big concern, and efforts are increasing to reduce their use - but not fast enough.

A notorious example of dangerous PFA’s is the herbicide glyphosate (round up), made by Monsanto. The rampant use of this toxic weed killer sprayed on U.S. produce is linked to serious health problems, including Parkinson's disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It builds up in the human body over time, causing neuroinflammation in the brain. The European Union began banning the use of the herbicide in 2015, and by 2022 - it was completely banned. Mexico will phase out the use by March of 2024. Monsanto claims these chemicals are safe - but did you know their employee cafe is entirely organic?

And did you know that 90% of salt, tested positive for microplastics? The study, produced by researchers in South Korea & Greenpeace East Asia tested 39 salt brands - 36 had microplastics in them.

On March 14th, 2023, the EPA proposed new limits to tackle drinking water contamination. The proposal targets only six notorious PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS and GenX. The Environmental Protection Agency has not set a new tap water standard in almost 20 years & some standards are more than 40 years old.

So how can we reduce the impact of these dangerous chemicals?

1. Install a high-quality water filtration system that is capable of removing PFAS from drinking water. This can include a counter water filtration system or even better - a whole-house water filtration system. Many activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are effective at removing PFAS.

2. Replace non-stick cookware with cast iron, ceramic or stainless steel.

3. Avoid or limit consumption of foods that are likely to contain PFAS. This includes aluminum canned items & foods packaged in plastic, like bottled water. Never re-heat items in plastic in the microwave.