There’s nowhere on Earth where rainwater is safe to drink, according to a new study.
New research has revealed a growing prevalence of highly toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in rainwater in the Great Lakes basin, increasing fears about the negative health effects for humans and wildlife.
It doesn’t matter if no humans are around in remote locations on the planet, pollution still gets there, according to the study published by researchers from Stockholm University and ETH Zurich.
While the scientists can’t make the claim with 100% certainty, they believe it to be the case because human-made chemicals have been found in remote areas. These chemicals don’t break down easily, so they stick around for decades — sometimes forever.
“Over time, winds and rain carry these ‘forever chemicals’ across oceans and continents until they land somewhere and begin accumulating,” the Weather Network said.
The chemicals can cause cancer, diabetes, infertility and immune system problems, among other issues.