Whatever Happened To the Rain?

Per and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large family of human-manufactured chemicals. PFAS are employed to make products non-stick, stain resistant and/or waterproof. They are even used in the packaging for some fast foods. PFAS have been designated 'Forever chemicals', as they persist in the environment for extended periods. These 'Forever chemicals' have been shown to have detrimental effects on human health (e.g. rates of certain cancers). Scientists, in Stockholm, have now shown that rainwater, from every location on this planet (including Tibet), contain banned levels of PFAS (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-62391069). This contamination of rainwater by PFAS, means that it is unfit for human consumption. In some areas of the globe, however, rainwater is the only source drinking water. We humans are an incredibly messy species! We keep pumping carbon dioxide, methane, plastics and PFAS into our environments.