"More than 200 million people are at risk of drinking tap water contaminated with chemicals that cause cancer, liver damage, birth defects and other reproductive harms, according to research released Wednesday that includes an interactive map of high-risk hot spots. The map, developed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), focuses on arsenic, chromium-6 and nitrate - all scientifically known to cause cancer and other health problems."
"Nitrates, commonly generated by the use of fertilizers on farmland, not only have been shown to cause cancer but also to negatively impact blood oxygen levels in babies. Infants who consume nitrates in drinking water can suffer from what is known as "blue baby syndrome." As well, research shows that pregnant women exposed to nitrates in drinking water face risks of problematic birth outcomes, including low birth weights and pre-term birth."
"Of the three chemicals examined in the report, nitrate affects the most people in terms of tap water. EWG said nitrate is affecting the tap water of an estimated 263 million Americans in 49 states served by 26,644 water systems. Nitrate-contaminated drinking water has been a dire problem for many farm states, particularly the top corn-growing state of Iowa in recent years, and researchers fear it is driving skyrocketing cancer rates."
More than 200 million people are at risk of drinking tap water contaminated with carcinogenic and toxic chemicals, including arsenic, chromium-6, and nitrate. An interactive map identifies high-risk hot spots across the United States. Nitrates, largely from fertilizer use on farmland, affect the most people, contaminating tap water for an estimated 263 million Americans across 49 states and 26,644 water systems. Nitrate exposure is linked to cancer, reduced blood oxygen in infants ('blue baby syndrome'), and adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm birth. States with intensive agriculture, such as Iowa, face especially severe nitrate contamination and rising cancer rates.
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