Quick Points
What is water pollution?
When harmful chemicals or organisms enter bodies of water it creates water pollution. Water pollution reduces the water's ability to be drinkable and habitable for critical ecosystems that rely on the contaminated water source. Communities of color are disproportionately exposed to unsafe drinking water. Read more here: Watered Down Justice
Examples of water pollutants include:
- Lead
- PFOAS, PFAS, Genx
- Untreated Wastewater and Sewage
- Oil Leaks and Spills
- Incorrectly Disposed Industrial and Agricultural Waste
A Closer Look at PFAS
While there are many water contaminants, the North Carolina Black Alliance has been specifically advocating around Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances or PFAS.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are thousands of human-made chemicals used in everyday consumer products. They are labeled as “forever chemicals” because they cannot be boiled or removed and they break down very slowly in the environment.
- Where are PFAS Found? PFAS can be found in food and food packaging, household items like carpets, some firefighting foams, and drinking water.
- Why are PFAS concerning? Some PFAS have been linked to many serious health effects such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, hormone disruption, and developmental and reproductive harm. This means that PFAS can be found in the blood of newborn babies and passed down through breastmilk.
- More Information on PFAS:
