West LA Times

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health has raised concerns about the quality of drinking water in U.S. prisons, highlighting potential contamination with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The research, led by senior author Nicholas Shapiro from UCLA and co-author Lindsay Poirier from Smith College, reveals alarming findings regarding the presence of PFAS in the watersheds surrounding carceral facilities across the country.

The study indicates that 47% of America’s prisons, jails, and detention centers are situated in watersheds that are likely contaminated with PFAS, with 5% of these facilities located in areas already known to have dangerously high levels of these chemicals. Shapiro emphasized the vulnerability of incarcerated populations to the health impacts of toxic drinking water, stating that they have limited ability to purify the water and are already in worse health compared to the general population.

Shapiro explained, “If you think of the incarcerated population as a city spread out over this vast archipelago of carceral facilities, it would be the fifth largest city in the country, with potentially very high levels of toxicants in its water and no ability to mitigate exposure.”

PFAS are nonbiodegradable chemicals found in various products such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, cosmetics, and food packaging. These substances can bioaccumulate in the body over time, leading to reproductive and developmental effects, cancer, liver damage, and hormone disruption. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the toxicity of PFAS, proposing a maximum allowable level of zero parts per trillion for six PFAS in 2023.

The research team utilized geospatial data analysis to identify carceral facilities located in watersheds with PFAS contamination, highlighting the potential risks faced by incarcerated individuals. The study found that a significant number of facilities, including those housing juveniles, are at risk of exposure to PFAS due to their geographical proximity to sources of contamination.

While the study did not confirm whether contaminated water reaches the facilities' water supplies, the authors stressed the urgent need for further research in this area. Poirier underscored the importance of the nationwide scope of the study, noting that previous analyses had been limited to hyperlocal levels, leading to underassessment of the risks posed by PFAS contamination in prison water sources.

The research underscores the need for improved water quality monitoring and mitigation strategies in carceral facilities, particularly in light of the potential health consequences of PFAS exposure. The study was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, signaling growing recognition of the importance of addressing environmental health risks in carceral settings.