What’s Really in Your Tap Water? It’s Chemicals Said To Be Causing A Health Crisis In Young People

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Every day, we drink water, eat food, grab a quick coffee, hop in the shower, or pick up our phones without thinking twice. They're just part of our daily routine. But what if some of these daily habits are silently affecting our health, especially for younger generations?

We might not see the immediate effects, but deeper, long-term consequences could be building up. It's a reality that's harder to ignore as research reveals how things we consider harmless might actually be contributing to a rise in health issues.

According to a recent study, it is revealed that tap water could cause the young generation more harm than they could imagine. Read on to know what that is.

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How PFAS Are Fueling Rising Health Risks

A recent study suggests that "forever chemicals" (PFAS) found in everyday items like tap water, food wrappers, and shampoo might be fueling a surge in health issues among young people. These toxic substances appear to harm the gut's microbiome, lowering levels of beneficial bacteria that help prevent inflammation linked to diseases like colon cancer.

The study also found that people with high PFAS exposure showed a significant drop in kidney function over just four years. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used for their water and stain-resistant properties, but research increasingly connects them to immune issues, pregnancy risks, and certain cancers. Other studies are also exploring how PFAS might be contributing to the rise in colon cancer diagnoses in those under 55.

A Silent Threat To Kidneys

The 2024 study revealed that over 70 million Americans may be exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water, prompting the EPA to introduce new laws requiring testing and limits on PFAS in public water by 2025.

Beyond water, the CDC warns that PFAS can enter the body through food from factories, contaminated fish, or inhaling dust and soil. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues like cancer, hormone disruption, and kidney damage.

This study by Professor Jesse Goodrich at USC observed 78 young people and found that higher PFAS levels in their blood were linked to lower gut bacteria called Lachnospiraceae, which helps prevent kidney disease, leading to a noticeable decrease in kidney function over four years. For every increase in PFAS exposure, kidney function dropped by about 2.4%.

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Causes Chronic Kidney Disease And Colorectal Cancer

Decreased kidney function from PFAS exposure can eventually lead to chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys struggle to filter waste, causing toxic fluid build-up and organ failure, according to Mayo Clinic. While researchers, like Professor Goodrich, aren't sure exactly how PFAS harms the kidneys, they believe it may be linked to disruptions in gut health, as gut bacteria play a role in regulating kidney inflammation.

However, the study's small sample size makes it hard to generalise. Other research supports the dangers of PFAS, including a study from Northeastern University linking the chemicals to a weakened immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

A 2023 Yale study also found PFAS can make colon cancer cells grow and spread faster, suggesting a link between chemical exposure and the development of the disease. Firefighters exposed to PFAS in foam have shown higher rates of colorectal cancer, and experts believe up to 80% of colorectal cancer cases may be linked to external factors like chemical exposure.

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In conclusion, the presence of PFAS and other harmful chemicals in tap water is a growing concern that may be contributing to the rise in diseases among young people. While the full extent of the impact is still being studied, evidence points to the harmful effects of long-term exposure, including kidney damage, cancer, and disruptions to the immune and gut systems.

With stricter regulations and increased awareness, it's crucial that we continue to push for cleaner, safer drinking water and examine the hidden risks in everyday products. As research progresses, it's clear that the substances we once overlooked could be playing a much larger role in our health than we ever imagined.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.