"BOSTON — Massachusetts state regulators have issued new standards for toxic compounds in drinking water.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively called PFAS, have turned up in public water supplies and private wells around the country, and there is growing evidence that long-term exposure can lead to cancer and low infant birth weights.
The chemicals have been found in 28 of 37 municipal water systems that have provided test results to the state Department of Environmental Protection, officials said this week. Twelve of those exceeded the proposed standards. The chemicals are used to make products water and stain resistant, including carpets, clothing, furniture and cookware. They have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they never fully break down."
