Rainwater is undrinkable everywhere on Earth due to the presence of toxic chemicals that exceed recommended levels, according to a recent study by scientists from Stockholm University.
« There is nowhere on Earth where rainwater would be safe to drink, according to the data we used“, told the press Ian Cousins, professor at the University of Stockholm and main author of this study, published in the journal “ Environmental Science and Technology« .
« Even in Antarctica or on the Tibetan Plateau, levels of toxic chemicals in rainwater are above the guidelines offered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).“, he argued. The two cited regions, normally considered intact, have levels of PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkylated) 14 times higher to US guidelines for drinking water, explained the academic.
→ Read also: Water would have flowed on Mars for 1.3 billion years
More commonly called ” the eternal chemicals “because they disintegrate extremely slowly, PFAS, initially present in packaging, shampoos or even make-up, have spread into the environment, including water and air, deplores the study who examined samples compiled since 2010.
According to some studies, exposure to PFAS can have effects on fertility and fetal development. It can also lead to increased risks of obesity or certain cancers (prostate, kidneys and testicles) and an increase in cholesterol levels.
With MAP