PFAS: Forever Chemicals Found In Drinking Water Across the U.S. Estimated $47 Billion Repair

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as a concerning issue in drinking water across the United States, posing health risks and prompting extensive cleanup efforts. The scale of this environmental challenge has led to an estimated cost of $47 billion to eliminate PFAS from the nation's drinking water supply.

The PFAS Problem

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in a variety of products for their water- and grease-resistant properties. However, these persistent chemicals do not break down easily in the environment, leading to contamination of water sources. Studies have linked exposure to PFAS to adverse health effects, including developmental issues, cancer, and immune system disruption.

National Contamination:

Communities across the U.S. have grappled with PFAS contamination in their drinking water, stemming from industrial discharges, military firefighting foam, and various consumer products. The widespread nature of PFAS contamination has raised alarms, prompting increased monitoring and regulatory efforts to safeguard public health.

The whopping $47 Billion Cost of Cleanup:

The magnitude of PFAS contamination has necessitated a significant financial commitment to address the issue comprehensively. The estimated $47 billion cost for eliminating PFAS from U.S. drinking water reflects the complex nature of the problem, requiring advanced technologies and infrastructure upgrades.

Technological Solutions:

Various treatment technologies, such as activated carbon filtration and advanced oxidation processes, are being explored to remove PFAS from water sources. These solutions, while effective, come with a considerable price tag, contributing to the overall cost of cleanup efforts.

As the U.S. grapples with the extensive and costly cleanup of PFAS from drinking water sources, it is evident that a coordinated effort involving government agencies, industries, and communities is essential. The $47 billion dollar issue reflects the magnitude of commitment required to ensure safe and clean drinking water for all, mitigating the risks posed by persistent PFAS contamination.

Twitter Attempts to Silence Community Voices while allowing Anti Blackness on its platform

Since Elon Musks ownership of X the app formerly known as Twitter anti blackness on the platform has soared. According to a study done in 2022 anti black comments have been made more than 26 thousand times.

Elon musk himself has even went as far as to mock efforts against anti black racism by posting himself laughing at the woke movement which was created in an effort to combat racism and inequities within vulnerabley disadvantaged communities. Followed by him restoring accounts that encouraged hate against Black people specifically. https://mashable.com/article/elon-musk-stay-woke-twitter-shirts-black-lives-matter

Furthermore Twitter has a habit of banning Black accounts who speak out against racism quicker than non Black accounts who spew hate regularly.

Some even speculate that twitters algorithm and policies have an embedded bias.

The censorship of Black activist accounts remains a pressing issue, equity is a must across all platforms on and offline.

Fungus Among Us? Potentially Deadly Uptick in Valley Fever Fungus cases in California

Valley fever is an environmental disease which increases the public’s risk during high wind gust and soil disturbance.

According to recent research California has seen an increase in the spread of a fungus that causes debilitating valley fever due to climate change.

It reveals itself as an infection of the lungs. Symptoms mimic COVID-19 and the flu and if left untreated or under diagnosed it can reach the blood stream and body.

Since underserved communities often lack access to adequate health care this poses the question of the severity of the risk/effect this increase will have on vulnerable low income communities in California. In 2015 a study was done by UC Davis that showed people in low income communities were more likely to die from valley fever.

It is imperative for additional data to be collected to assess why low income communities are at higher risk.