by: Ellie Hingson
Posted: Jun 27, 2024 / 11:34 AM EDT
Updated: Jun 27, 2024 / 11:34 AM EDT
TAMPA (BLOOM) – Dr. David Berger, a Board-Certified Pediatrician, joins Gayle Guyardo, host of the nationally syndicated health and wellness show, Bloom, to discuss new regulations for “forever chemicals” in drinking water.
Berger says “forever chemicals” are often found on nonstick cookware and other similar surfaces. These chemicals have been found to be associated with different illnesses like: liver cancer, kidney cancer, high blood pressure, fertility issues, and more.
Recently, the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, has mandated that all community water systems be tested. Guidelines as far as the specific numbers allowed for these chemicals have become the forefront for taking action. Berger says there haven’t been warnings put forth for microplastics and other chemicals. However, these chemicals are also closely associated with all sorts of diseases.
“The particles are so small that they can penetrate into the tissues of each cell… which disrupts how the cells work,” Berger explains.
Clean and safe drinking water is exponentially important for our overall health. Berger says water is the substance of our life. We are made up of mostly water and drink it everyday.
“The healthier you are, the more likely you are to be exposed,” he mentions.
He also mentions only 11 or 12 states have actually mandated the EPA testing of community water systems. It is estimated that only 5-10% of countries are completely disregarding the issue and not looking at those numbers at all.
“It could still be 3-5 years before it is out of the water system,” Berger exclaims.
When asked about what citizens can do to prevent the effects caused by these chemicals, Berger emphasizes one solution in particular: an activated charcoal filter. These filters are put on the water system prior to being placed in a home. The activated charcoal acts as a binder, preventing forever chemicals from coming through. Another mentioned filtration system is reverse osmosis, which can impact the spread of both the plastics, as well as the “forever chemicals”.
Guyardo asks about the price of these systems and Berger acknowledges that they are on the expensive side of preventative methods. He brings up the use of plastic water bottles and the number of particles found. Drinking out of glass or stainless steel, as opposed to plastic containers can act as a barrier. Berger explains it is just as safe as the filtration systems.
“In one liter… 240,000 particles have been found,” Berger says.
One of the final points addressed is fluoride in water. Fluoride acts as a defense against dental decay. Berger says the Journal of the AMA came out with a study recently that says the amount of fluoride levels in pregnant people had a direct correlation to neuro-developmental disorders.
