PFAS in Isfahan's Tap Water: Is It Safe to Drink?

In the bustling city of Isfahan in Iran, scientists recently checked the tap water for two common chemicals called PFOA and PFOS. These are part of a larger group called PFAS, which are often used in non-stick products. Using a method called DLLME and analyzing with LC-MS, they found that out of 45 samples, the average levels of PFOA were 38. 1 nanograms per liter and PFOS were 33. 7 nanograms per liter, with some samples going as high as 1056 and 99. 2 nanograms per liter, respectively. This means that in almost half of the samples, the levels were higher than what the US-EPA advises.

Interestingly, the distance from the water treatment plant didn't seem to matter much. When they looked at the risk, they calculated something called the hazard quotient and index and found that they were below 1, which is good news. It means that the risk to the health of adults and kids from drinking this water wasn't high. However, the tap water is clearly contaminated with these chemicals, and their source is unknown. So, the city should look into where the water comes from and how well the treatment plant and distribution network are working.

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