Hundreds of millions of people across the nation and in West Virginia rely on water systems with detectable lead and high levels of PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," which is just one way Americans are exposed to countless toxins, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Network.

Sarah Bucic, a registered nurse and policy leader for the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, said increasingly, her patients are asking if something in the air or water is making them sick.

"I personally faced real questions about my own health and the harms toxic pollution can impose on individuals and families," Bucic explained. "I had to have my child checked numerous times for potential lead exposure."

Research shows rural populations have significantly higher environmental exposure, including more exposure to diesel, air toxins and lead paint in older homes, along with increased proximity to potential industrial chemical accidents. West Virginia’s 2014 Elk River chemical spill left around 300,000 residents across nine counties without safe water for drinking or household use.

As exposure continues to rise to unprecedented levels, Bucic stressed West Virginia’s youngest residents will pay the highest price for lax regulations on toxic chemicals.

"We know that more lead will result in children with more developmental problems, behavioral and attention deficit issues," Bucic pointed out. "We know that more benzene will lead to higher rates of blood cancers, including lymphoma.'

The Environmental Protection Agency has recently rolled back several key environmental protections, including the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which forms a legal basis for climate change regulations like emissions standards for power plants and vehicles.

Source: Public News Service