99 Chemicals That Could Be Found in Your shower Water

A chemical used in plastics, paint, varnish, finish removers, and pesticides. Exposure can cause headaches, lightheadedness, cracking of the skin, cancer, and potentially other health problems. This chemical has been found in water utilities in 38 U.S. states from 2012-2017 and is currently undergoing risk evaluation by the EPA.

A chemical solvent used in the production of rubbers, resins, waxes, plastic wrap, and carpet backing. Exposure can cause burning and discoloration of the skin and is classified by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen.

A pesticide fumigant banned from use in 1979 by the EPA. It breaks down so slowly, it remains in areas and in groundwater where it was sprayed. Exposure can cause central nervous system depression, male reproductive damage, and is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA.

A chemical used to make plastic products. It is classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen and is a high priority chemical undergoing risk evaluation. It evaporates into the air very fast from water and will stay in the air for more than 5 months before it’s broken down!

A chemical used in manufacturing and be found landfills. It can also be found in farmland as it was used as an insecticide and fumigant before it was banned in the 1980s. It’s classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA and was detected in 65 water utilities throughout 14 U.S. states from 2015-2017.

A chemical used in pesticides, and for cleaning and degreasing. It can be found at industrial or hazardous waste sites and can contaminate drinking water from agricultural sites where it was used. It’s a probable human carcinogen and has been found at levels above health guidelines in 184 water utilities throughout 19 U.S. states from 2012-2017.

A former insecticide now used in chemical manufacturing of herbicides dyes, among other industrial uses. Can be found in contaminated water and food and has been found to cause adrenal and lung problems when tested on rats and mice. This chemical has been found in 38 water utilities among 13 U.S. states from 2015-2017.

a chemical used to produce synthetic rubber products, resins, and plastics. It
can be found in water near chemical, plastic or rubber facilities, and is
commonly found in motor vehicle exhaust. Studies
show associations to cardiovascular disease and leukemia, and the EPA has
labeled it as carcinogenic by inhalation.

a chemical classified as a likely human carcinogen and has been found in groundwater sites throughout the United States. Amongst other potential health effects, it’s also important to note that this chemical can be found in cosmetics (such as shampoo and liquid soap), but the FDA does not require it to be listed as an ingredient on product labels because
the chemical is only produced during the manufacturing process.

a widely used herbicide and pesticide. It is commonly used on fruit and vegetable crops, and was one of the components of Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War. It can affect the endocrine system and interfere with thyroid function. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as possibly carcinogenic to humans. American’s exposures to this chemical is expected to
increase as more farmers use it, and has been found in 246 U.S. water utilities serving 14 million people in the U.S.

an abundant metal added to tap water during treatment to kill microorganisms but can also make its way into your water from other sources due to it’s common use. Too much aluminum can be neurotoxic, especially to children, and is linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. Keep in mind, aluminum is present in products, such as tap water, cosmetics, cookware, vaccines, and many more. Aluminum levels above health guidelines were found in 14 U.S. states from 2015-2017.  

a metal used in alloys, batteries, and plastics that can enter your tap water from industrial sources and from your plumbing. Studies of laboratory animals found this metal to cause organ damage and shorten lifespan. Between 2015 and 2017, Antimony was found at levels above the legal limit in 3 U.S. states, and levels above health guidelines in over 30 states.

a highly toxic mineral found in drinking water in all 50 states. Long term exposure causes cancer, and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung disease, and has a negative impact on cognitive development in early childhood exposure. Arsenic levels in water are the highest in western states, and get into your water through natural, industrial, and agricultural sources.

an herbicide commonly found in drinking water that comes from agricultural runoff and is found in 88% of drinking water tested by the USDA. Exposure is linked to hormonal and reproductive problems, and cancer. Keep in mind, the highest levels of atrazine contamination are in the Midwest, and spike during spring and early summer as rains flush the freshly applied herbicide into local water supplies.

a mineral that can contaminate drinking water from natural and industrial sources. High levels
of exposure can increase blood pressure, cause muscle weakness, gastrointestinal problems, and affect the nervous and circulatory system.  Between 2015 and 2017, barium levels above health guidelines were found in 187 water utilities throughout 23 U.S. states.

among the 20 most widely used chemicals in the United States, it is known to cause cancer. It can make it into your water  from landfills, petroleum processing, and industrial waste. Between 2015-2017, barium levels above health guidelines were found in 51 water utilities throughout 18 states.

belongs to a class of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and can be found in surface water, tap water, rainwater, and groundwater. It is considered a
priority pollutant by the EPA and is a probable carcinogen. Repeated exposure can also cause numerous skin changes, such as: thinning, pimples, warts, redness and loss of color.

a metal that can get into drinking water from industrial pollution and the natural weathering of rocks and soils. High levels of exposure can potentially affect your lungs and bones and increase your risk for lung cancer. Between 2015 and 2017, over 30 water utilities in 15 U.S. states had levels higher than health guidelines.

a chemical byproduct of water disinfection. Long term exposure increases your lifetime cancer risk and can also impact other bodily systems. Between 2015 and 2017, over 746 water utilities serving 42 million people in the U.S. were found to have levels of bromate higher than health guidelines.

a chemical byproduct of water disinfection. Long term exposure may increase your risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Between 2015-2017, over 4,000 water utilities serving 52 million people in the U.S. were found to have bromochloroacetic acid levels above health guidelines.

a chemical byproduct of water disinfection. Long term exposure may increase your risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Between 2015-2017, over 400 water utilities serving 2.3 million people in the U.S. were found to have bromodichloroacetic acid levels above health guidelines.

a chemical byproduct of water disinfection; it’s also used in chemical manufacturing and as a fire extinguishing agent. Long term exposure may increase your risk of cancer. Between 2012 and 2017, bromodichloromethane was found in over 700 U.S. water utilities in over 40 states.

a chemical byproduct placed into a group called total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), formed during water disinfection, and used in the manufacturing of waxes, greases, fire-resistant chemicals, and fluid gauges. It’s labeled as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA; while high levels of exposure can slow down brain functioning and injure the liver and kidney. Just between 2015 and 2017, over 11,000 water utilities in 48 U.S. states had levels of bromoform above health guidelines.

a metal used to make batteries, plastics, and other products. Keep in mind, exposure to low levels of cadmium can build up over time and cause kidney disease, fragile bones, and cancer. Just between 2015 and 2017, almost 500 water utilities in 38 U.S. states were found to have levels of cadmium above health guidelines.

a toxic insecticide phased out from use in the U.S. since 2009 due to the risks it poses to children and the environment. Exposure can harm the brain, nervous system, reproductive system, and has been labeled by the World Health Organization as highly hazardous. The major route of exposure is through tap water, and was found in 8 U.S. state water utilities serving 1 million people between 2015-2017.

a chemical byproduct of water disinfection. Long term
exposure can impair thyroid function, making pregnant women and children the most vulnerable population. Between 2012 and 2017, over 1,500 water utilities in 45 U.S. states had chlorate levels above health guidelines.

a pesticide banned in 1988. Unfortunately, it’s still found in the environment today, and is labeled as a probable carcinogen by the EPA. Exposure can also cause gastrointestinal distress, tremors, convulsions, and effect the nervous system.

a chemical byproduct of water disinfection. Exposure to high levels can increase your risk of cancer and may cause harm to fetal growth and development. Between 2015 and 2017, over 200 water utilities serving 1.7 million people in the U.S. were found to have levels above health guidelines.

a chemical byproduct placed into a group called total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), formed during water disinfection. High levels of exposure can harm the skin, eyes, liver, kidneys, nervous system, and may cause cancer. Chloroform is toxic if inhaled or swallowed. Between 2015 and 2017, chloroform levels above health guidelines were found in over 22,000 water utilities throughout 48 U.S. states.

a chemical byproduct of water disinfection, also used in the industrial production of silicones and other chemicals. Exposure
can affect the heart rate, blood pressure, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Between 2012 and 2017, chloromethane levels above health guidelines were found in 56 water utilities throughout 17 U.S. states.

different than chromium-3 which is essential to the human diet, chromium-6 is a chemical
used in metal finishing, stainless steel production, leather tanning, and wood preservatives. It commonly contaminates U.S. drinking water due to industrial pollution and natural causes. High exposure may cause skin reactions, harm to the liver and reproductive system, and cancer. Between 2012 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in all 50 U.S. states serving a whopping 230 million people.

a metal found in nature and is used in manufacturing.  Cobalt
is essential for humans as an element in vitamin B12, but keep in mind, exposure to high levels can accumulate in the body and has health effects, such has lung problems, cardiac changes, congestion of the liver and kidneys, and immune-system effects.

a mineral found in nature that is essential to our diet, but keep in mind, too much copper can have
harmful effects such as diarrhea, weight loss, kidney problems, and liver
problems. Exposure can come from unintentional sources such as the pipes that
carry your water, and children and infants are more vulnerable.

an extremely toxic chemical that can contaminate water as the result of industrial waste, iron and steel works, and wastewater
treatment. Exposure to cyanide can affect the central nervous system, thyroid gland, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system. Between
2015 and 2017, more than 1,900 water utilities in 37 states (the majority in Texas), were found to contain low levels of cyanide.

a chemical used in PVC plastic, plastic wrap, and other consumer products. It
can contaminate water from industrial pollution and sewage treatment plants. Exposure
may affect fetal growth and development, the liver, and is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA.

a chemical added to plastics to make it more flexible. It is listed on California’s Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm. Between 2015 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in water utilities 14 U.S. states.

a chemical byproduct placed into a group called haloacetic acids (HAA5), formed during water disinfection. Exposure to high levels may increase your risk of cancer, may cause harm during pregnancy. Between only 2015 and 2017, levels above
health guidelines were found in over 14,000 water utilities throughout 45 U.S. states.

a chemical byproduct placed into a group called total trihalomethanes (TTHMs),
formed during water disinfection. Exposure to
high levels may increase your risk of cancer and may cause harm during pregnancy. Between 2015 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in almost 23,000 water utilities serving 209 million Americans throughout 48 U.S. states.

a chemical byproduct placed into a group called haloacetic acids (HAA5), formed during water disinfection. Exposure to high levels may increase your risk of cancer and may cause reproductive harm and harm during pregnancy. Between only 2015 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in over 18,000 water utilities serving 189 million Americans throughout 45 U.S. states.

a chemical used in pain removers, metal cleaning, electronics manufacturing, and
in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. It’s labeled as a probably human
carcinogen by the EPA, and exposure may also impact the nervous system. Between
2015 and 2017, levels above the legal limit were found in water utilities in 2 U.S. states.

an herbicide used on potato crops and aquatic weeds. Exposure to high levels may affect pregnancy, kidney function, and body weight.

an herbicide used on potato and cotton crops, and to kill aquatic plants and algae. Exposure to high levels may cause skin irritation, eye damage, and affect the gastrointestinal system.

an insecticide and rodenticide that’s been banned in the U.S. due to its toxicity to humans and wildlife. Exposure to high levels may cause harm to the central nervous system, immune system, reproductive system, and cancer.

a chemical used in manufacturing, and found in gasoline, paints, insecticides, and carpet glues. It’s considered a possible cancer-causing substance, and exposure to high levels can impact the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Between 2015-2017, low levels of ethylbenzene were found in almost 1,000 water utilities throughout 46 U.S. states.

an extremely toxic chemical that was banned as pesticide in 1984, and is still used in the production of dyes, resins, waxes, and gums. Animal studies indicate that it can has toxic effects to the liver, kidneys, and testis, and the EPA has classified it as a probable carcinogen. Between
2015 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in water utilities in 11 U.S. states.

a widely used weedkiller commonly marketed as Roundup. There’s some debate to whether or not it is harmful to humans and is considered by the FDA not a risk “when used in accordance with its current label.” Regardless, it’s recognized as cancer-causing by the state of California, and is considered probably carcinogenic by the World Health Organization.

a group of 5 chemical byproducts that form during water disinfection. When
there are increases in chlorine use due to temporary water issues (such as increases
in bacteria or water utility repair) there are increased levels of HAA5 in your water. Exposure to high levels of HAA5 can have many negative health effects, from being irritating and corrosive to the skin, to even being linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and birth defects. HAA5 has
been found in all 50 U.S. states, and between 2015-2017 levels above health guidelines were found in over 27,000 water utilities serving 280 million Americans.

a previous insecticide that’s been banned in the U.S. since 1988. It is considered a probable human carcinogen by the EPA and may cause a variety of other nervous system effects. Although heptachlor was banned in 1988, it has still been found in public water utilities above health guidelines.

a highly toxic chemical that comes from the breakdown of the banned pesticide heptachlor. Exposure to high levels can cause cancer, hormone disruption, and harm to the liver. This chemical can still be found at levels above health guidelines in U.S. water utilities.

a pesticide banned in the U.S. in
1984, although it is still found in landfills, hazardous waste sites, and can even be detected in people. Exposure to high levels can cause cancer and have
neurotoxic and other harmful effects. This chemical can still be found in drinking water in the U.S. at levels above health guidelines.

a very toxic chemical that was used in the production of pesticides that are now banned but is still used in the manufacturing of flame retardants, resins, and dyes. High levels of exposure can cause harm to the liver, kidney, lungs, stomach, and intestines. Between 2015-2017, low levels were found in over 200 water utilities in 28 U.S. states.

a metal found in nature that is harmful to humans and can leak into your drinking water from lead piping. In 2016, the American Water Works
Association estimated that 15-22 million Americans drink water from a system with lead-based service lines. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can harm the brain, nervous system, and can permanently impact intellectual development in children.

an insecticide phased out of agriculture use in the U.S. since 2002; however, it is still used as an option to treat lice or scabies. Keep in mind, the FDA recognizes lindane can cause serious side effects even when used as directed and is considered a possible human carcinogen by the EPA. Lindane can be found in tap water, and was found in 8 U.S. states between 2015 and 2017.

a mineral found in nature that is necessary for health in small amounts; however, large amount may harm pregnancy, infants, and children as it affects the brain and nervous system. Over
3.9 million Americans drink water from public systems with manganese above recommended health levels.

formed when mercury combines with other elements and is used in some industrial manufacturing. If repeatedly ingested or applied to the skin, it may be corrosive to the digestive system, cause skin rash, kidney problems, memory problems, and neurological disturbances. Between 2015 and 2017, over 600 water utilities in 37 U.S. states were found to have some levels of inorganic mercury.  

an insecticide banned in the U.S. in 2002. Reproductive
and developmental effects are the primary concern from exposure but may also
affect other body systems. Methoxychlor
was found in public drinking water in 8 U.S. states between 2015 and 2017.

a metal that occurs in nature and is considered an essential trace mineral found in some foods. However, high levels may be harmful, and can cause metabolic changes and excess formation of uric acid in the blood. Molybdenum has been found at levels above health guidelines in 7 U.S. states between 2012 and 2017.

a chemical byproduct placed into a group called haloacetic acids (HAA5), formed during water disinfection. High levels of exposure may increase your risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Between 2015-2017, levels were found in over 5,800 U.S. water utilities throughout 43 U.S. states.

a chemical byproduct placed into a group called haloacetic acids (HAA5), formed during water disinfection. High levels of exposure may increase your risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Between
2015-2017, levels were found in over 8,600 U.S. water utilities throughout 45 U.S. states.

a chemical used in the production of pesticides and other chemicals. It can affect you when inhaled or by passing through the skin. It is toxic to humans, and exposure at high levels may harm the lungs, liver, kidneys, and
nervous system.

a chemical used as an additive to gasoline until it was replaced by ethanol in 2005. MTBE has been shown to cause cancer in animal studies. Between 2015 and 2017, small levels of MTBE was found in over 400 water utilities in 27 U.S. states.

one of the most common contaminants in drinking water, nitrates are one of the products of animal and human waste decomposition. It can contaminate your water from fertilizer runoff, manure, or wastewater treatment emission.
You’re more likely to have it in your water if you live near farmland or if you’re in an area where septic tanks are used. The federal limit of nitrates in drinking water was set in 1992 and has never been updated; however, research suggests that this limit may be too low. Studies have found greater incidence of colorectal, ovarian, thyroid, kidney, and bladder cancers among people who were exposed to nitrates in their drinking water. Between
2015 and 2017, nitrate levels above health guidelines were found in over 21,000
water utilities serving 191 million Americans in 49 states.

a restricted insecticide used on a wide range of crops, one of its forms is now banned in the U.S. It’s considered neurotoxic, and high levels of exposure may harm the brain, central nervous system, and fetal development.

a chemical used in insecticides and deodorant blocks made for trash cans and toilets. Not only has the EPA classified it as a possible human carcinogen, but is designated as a high priority chemical and is currently undergoing risk evaluation. It’s been found in 182 water utilities among 26 U.S. states from 2015-2017.

a chemical that was once one
of the most widely used biocides (chemical used to kill living things) but is not restricted and is mostly used as a wood preservative. It is considered extremely toxic to human and is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Between 2015-2017, small levels were found in over 100 U.S. water utilities serving 1 million Americans. 

a chemical that can be man-made or found naturally, it is a component of rocket fuel. High levels of exposure can interfere
with iodide uptake in the thyroid gland which can affect your hormones and metabolism. Pregnant women, their fetuses, and newborns are at greatest risk for adverse health effects following exposure of this chemical.

a chemical belonging to a group called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFBS is
used for industrial processes and consumer protects like carpeting, carpet cleaners, and floor wax. It has been found in tap water, and may harm reproductive organs and tissues, developing fetus, kidneys, and the thyroid particularly.

a chemical belonging to a group called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This
group of chemicals is commonly used for industrial processes and consumer products
like non-stick pans, and food packaging. Exposure to some of these chemicals may result in serious health effects, including cancer, organ damage, accelerated puberty, endocrine disruption, and hormonal changes. Between 2012 and 2017, PFHPA levels above health guidelines was found in over 200 water utilities serving 6.6 million Americans.

a chemical belonging to a group called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This
group of chemicals is commonly used for industrial processes and consumer products
like non-stick pans,
and food packaging. Exposure to some of these chemicals may result in serious
health effects, including cancer, organ damage, accelerated puberty, endocrine
disruption, and hormonal changes. Between
2012 and 2017, PFHXS levels above health guidelines was found in over 100 water
utilities serving 3.9 million Americans.

a chemical belonging to a group called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This
group of chemicals is commonly used for industrial processes and consumer products
like non-stick pans,
and food packaging. Exposure to some of these chemicals may result in serious
health effects, including cancer, organ damage, accelerated puberty, endocrine
disruption, and hormonal changes. Between
2012 and 2017, PFNA levels above health guidelines was found in over 20 water
utilities serving 635,000 Americans.

a chemical belonging to a group called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFOS
has been phased out and replaced by PFBS since 2002. In some studies, PFOs are
associated with elevated cholesterol, liver function changes, changes in
thyroid hormone levels, and reduced immune response. Due to widespread use and persistence in the environment, almost everyone has a small amount of PFOS in their body.  

a chemical belonging to a group called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFOA is infamous after the DuPont plant in Parkersburg West Virginia was found to have emitted over
1.7 million pounds of PFOA between 1951 and 2003, severely polluting the
drinking water. Studies show links between PFOA exposure and testicular cancer,
kidney cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, and
pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia. PFOA is no longer made in the U.S., although it may still reach the U.S. in other consumer products and is can still be found in the environment and drinking water.

a herbicide used to control
deeply rooted weeds and woody plants. Animal studies show links to reduced testicular size, and damage to the liver and thyroid.

a group of man-made chemicals banned since 1979. They contaminate water by leaching from landfills and hazardous waste clean-up sites. PCBs are highly toxic, and may increase risk of breast and prostate cancer, harm the brain, immune system, and child development. PCBs can build up in the human body and pass to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and breast feeding.

a radioactive element that causes cancer and other severe health problems. Research
shows that in some regions of the country more than 20% of sampled wells had
radium levels exceeding the federal drinking water limit. The EPA estimates even at this legal limit for radium, 1 in every 10,000 people would develop cancer over lifetime.

a radioactive element that causes cancer and other severe health problems. Research shows that in some regions of the country more than 20% of sampled wells had radium levels exceeding the federal drinking water limit. The EPA estimates even at this legal limit for radium, 1 in every 10,000 people would develop cancer over lifetime.

a mineral found in nature that is essential to our diet, but keep in mind, too much may have harmful effects such as hair loss,
skin lesions, brittle fingernails, and decrease thyroid hormone production. Between
2015 and 2017, selenium levels above health guidelines were found in 61 water utilities throughout 13 U.S. states.

an herbicide used on crops. In animal studies, simazine affects
hormones and the reproductive systems, and causes cancer. In 2015 to 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in over 130 water utilities throughout 10 U.S. states.

a metal that can accumulate in the bones. High levels of exposure can harm bone health. Between 2012 and 2017, strontium was found in water utilities in all 50 states serving 258 million Americans.

the radioactive form of the metal strontium. It has been
emitted widely by nuclear power plants, weapon facilities, waste sites, and nuclear research facilities. Exposure can cause bone cancer and leukemia.
Between 2012 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in over 100
water utilities serving 8.3 million Americans.

a chemical used in the manufacturing of Styrofoam and other plastics. It can contaminate water from industrial pollution
and hazardous waste landfills. Exposure at high levels increases your risk of cancer
and may cause damage to the liver and nervous system. Between 2015 and 2017,
levels above health guidelines were found in 22 water utilities throughout 15 U.S. states.

a dry-cleaning chemical that pollutes soil and groundwater due to emissions from dry cleaning facilities and manufacturing. It is considered a likely human carcinogen and high levels of exposure may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Just between 2015 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in water utilities throughout 47 U.S. states.

a metal found in nature than is released into the environment from metal smelting and coal burning. High levels of exposure may cause hair loss, liver damage, reduced sperm motility, and nervous system impairment. Between 2015 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in water utilities serving 2.3 million Americans throughout 36 U.S. states.

chemical used in paints, adhesives, cleaning supplies, and gasoline. It is highly neurotoxic. Exposure to high levels may cause fatigue,
nausea, nervous system disorder, immune system disorder, liver damage, and may
increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Between 2015 and 2017, small levels were found in water utilities throughout 47 U.S. states.

a group of 4 chemical byproducts that form after water is disinfected with chlorine. Studies show that showering with hot tap water result in greater THM absorption than simply drinking the water. Exposure to high levels of TTHMs increase your risk for cancer and may cause other health
problems.

an insecticide that accumulates in the environment and the body easily. It’s classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, and high levels of exposure may also harm the liver, kidneys, brain, and nervous system.

a chemical byproduct formed during water disinfection. Exposure to high levels increase your risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

a chemical byproduct that belongs to a group called haloacetic acids (HAA5), formed
during water disinfection. Exposure to high levels increase your risk of cancer, may cause problems during pregnancy,
and may cause other health problems. Between 2015 and 2017, levels above health
guidelines were found in over 15,000 water utilities serving 183 million Americans throughout 47 U.S. states.

a chemical used in industrial manufacturing and common groundwater pollutant. Drinking
water contaminated with this chemical has been linked to birth defects, leukemia, and liver and kidney damage. It’s easily evaporated at normal temperatures and people can inhale it while bathing.

a chemical previously used as a refrigerant and in manufacturing, that’s now banned due to its ozone-depleting properties. Exposure to high levels may damage the heart, nervous system, and
liver.

a chemical previously used as a refrigerant and in manufacturing, that’s now banned due to its ozone-depleting properties. Exposure to high levels may damage the heart, nervous system, and liver.

a radioactive element that can contaminate groundwater from nuclear reactor and weapon production plant emissions. Exposure to tritium increases your risk of cancer.

a heavy metal and known human carcinogen. Exposure increases your risk of cancer
and may damage the kidneys. Between 2012 and 2017, over 6,600 water utilities in 45 U.S. states were found to have
uranium levels above health guidelines.

a metal used to make steel and other alloys. People are commonly exposed to it in
food and water, and between 2012-2017 it was found in water utilities in all 50 U.S. states. High levels of exposure to vanadium may change your blood chemistry and may harm reproduction and child
development.

a chemical used in the production of plastics. It can contaminate water from plastic manufacturing discharge. Exposure to high levels increase your risk of cancer and may damage the liver and nervous system. Between 2015 and 2017, levels above health guidelines were found in water utilities serving 1.1 million Americans throughout 27 U.S. states.

a chemical used in industrial and consumer products such as paint thinners and cleaning agents. Exposure to
high levels may harm the brain and nervous system and may harm fetal growth and development. Between 2015 and 2017, small levels of xylenes were found in over 2,400 water utilities throughout 46 U.S. states.