Up to 40 million Americans might be unknowingly increasing their risk of a rapidly growing cancer by consuming tap water, a new study suggests. Researchers at Texas A and M University have discovered a worrying correlation between high levels of arsenic in water systems and an elevated risk of kidney cancer. Even levels deemed safe by the FDA were linked to a 6 percent increased risk.
The researchers compared kidney cancer rates across 240 counties in Texas with arsenic levels in both public and private water systems. They found that people exposed to high levels of this toxic mineral in their water had a 22 percent higher risk of developing the cancer.
Arsenic, a toxic substance commonly found in rocks, can enter groundwater when these rocks erode. It is also used in pesticides, which can then be washed into groundwater by rain. Once consumed, arsenic can be absorbed into the blood, causing damage at a cellular level and increasing the risk of cancer.
Kidney cancer rates have been on the rise in the U.S., increasing by about 1.2 percent every year. In 2010, kidney cancer was responsible for 54,000 cases. Fast forward to 2021, and it was behind 68,000 cases — making it the ninth most common cancer in the nation.
Dr Taehyun Roh, an epidemiologist from Texas A and M University who led the study, warns that public water systems are not always adequately managed and could expose customers to arsenic. However, those at particular risk are the estimated 40 million people in the U.S. who rely on private wells for their water, with up to 2.7 million of these wells containing more than 10 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic.
While the FDA currently sets a safe limit for arsenic at 10ppb, even lower levels were linked to increased cancer risk in this study. Dr Roh suggests that even low-level arsenic exposure in drinking water may be associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer.
This is a cause for concern as millions using public water systems are also exposed to high levels of arsenic. A previous study by Consumer Reports found eight percent of samples tested from across the country had arsenic levels above the FDA’s safe limit.
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering the blood for waste products and toxic substances, including arsenic. Prolonged exposure to arsenic can cause damage to accumulate in the kidneys, leading to cancer. Warning signs of advanced stages of kidney cancer include blood in urine, lower back pain on one side, and a loss of appetite. Despite the rise in kidney cancer cases, 77 percent of those diagnosed live for more than five years after their diagnosis.
It’s crucial that Americans are aware of the potential health risks associated with their drinking water. With rising kidney cancer rates and concerns over other substances in tap water like PFAS, this issue is more pressing than ever.
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This research underscores a growing concern about the safety and quality of drinking water in the United States. While the FDA has established “safe” arsenic levels, the study suggests that even low-level exposure may increase the risk of kidney cancer. This raises questions about the adequacy of current safety standards and highlights the need for further investigation.
Interestingly, the uptick in kidney cancer cases coincides with declining smoking rates, traditionally a key risk factor for this type of cancer. Experts have previously suggested that rising obesity rates or better imaging tests may be behind this increase, but the potential role of arsenic in drinking water adds another layer to this complex issue.
The fact that private wells, which serve millions of people, are particularly vulnerable to arsenic contamination is especially alarming. Wells in Nevada, Washington, and California were found to be most likely to contain high levels of arsenic. This raises concerns about the oversight and regulation of these private water sources.
Furthermore, arsenic isn’t the only potential threat in tap water. Other substances like PFAS have also been flagged as possible health risks. Combined with the results from this study, it seems clear that a comprehensive review of water safety standards and practices is needed.
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