FALCON, Colo. (KRDO) -- A consumer safety group has released a new report about a harmful "forever chemical" in Colorado waterways.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that stick around for decades. Past reports have collected data from 2022 or later. The group says its the waterways that aren't tested that need to be focused on.
Data highlighted by the Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG) show that 65% of tested locations found one or more types of PFAS in communities across the state. The new study looked at 16 testing locations from 2022 to 2024.
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The group took a KRDO13 crew to Drake Lake near Falcon where two types of PFAS have been found.
“This poisoning of our water is what happens when we use toxic chemicals throughout our economy for unnecessary uses such as cosmetic products, nonstick cookware and clothing,” CoPIRG Foundation Advocate Kirsten Schatz said in a press release. “It’s time to turn off the toxic tap.”
CoPIRG also noted data at Antler Creek near Falcon saw PFAS chemicals in all three of the locations that were tested.
According to officials, long-term exposure to certain PFAS can be associated with an increased risk of some cancers and other illnesses. The group is now calling for the state to phase out all products known to contain PFAS, including sewage treatment plants.
The full report from CoPIRG can be found on the group's website.
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