A recent study has unearthed a concerning environmental and public health issue: nearly half of US prisons use water that is likely contaminated with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These substances, notorious for their persistence in the environment and links to various serious health problems, are affecting approximately 1 million incarcerated individuals across the country, including 13,000 juveniles.
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The University of California in Los Angeles contributed to this groundbreaking research, emphasizing the vulnerability of the prison population to these harmful chemicals. According to Nicholas Shapiro, a co-author of the study, incarcerated people have limited options to avoid exposure to these dangerous substances, marking a significant human rights concern. “We need to think about who is exposed and who has the least agency to mitigate their exposure – that’s why this is such a unique population,” Shapiro remarked, highlighting the broader issue of the dehumanization of incarcerated individuals.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in various consumer products for their resistance to water, stains, and heat. However, their inability to break down naturally has linked them to an array of health issues, including cancer, liver problems, thyroid dysfunction, birth defects, and more. The study focused on analyzing watersheds serving over 6,000 carceral facilities, identifying those most likely to be contaminated by PFAS from sources like airports, military sites, and landfills.
Despite the identification of numerous potentially contaminated water sources, the study found that testing has been limited, calling for enhanced monitoring to protect those affected. An alarming case mentioned in the study involved a women’s prison near Tampa, Florida, exposed to PFAS through groundwater contaminated by firefighting foam, with Pollution levels vastly exceeding state health guidelines. Despite the known risks, incarcerated individuals were neither informed nor provided with clean water alternatives.
This situation underscores the broader issues of health disparities and environmental injustice faced by incarcerated populations, particularly affecting people of color and those from lower-income backgrounds. The call for immediate action and better oversight is clear, as the health and well-being of thousands hang in the balance.
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