A new report shows that tens of millions of Americans could be consuming water contaminated with nitrates at levels associated with health risks.

According to the analysis conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and cited by CNN, over 62 million Americans, approximately 1 in 5, are exposed to dangerous concentrations of nitrates in tap water. Nitrates, natural compounds, become problematic through the use of agricultural fertilizers, contaminating the groundwater and drinking water supplies.

Although the legal limit for nitrates is 10 mg/l, research suggests that negative effects can occur at lower levels, related to serious conditions such as cancer and congenital malformations. The analysis included data from nearly 50,000 water systems, highlighting contamination in large cities and small communities, with extremely high values in some areas. Experts point to fertilizers and animal waste as the main sources of contamination, but also other urban sources. Reducing nitrates requires significant investments, and consumers are advised to use water filters.