HoldsUp

DavidPerlmutterMD · 2025-06-09 · David Perlmutter (host), Aly Cohen

Unseen Toxins: What’s Harming Us in Air, Water, and Everyday Products | Dr. Aly Cohen

29 research-tied claims examined: 3 contradicted 1 contradicted online 2 overstated 8 context 13 supported 1 corroborated online 1 unverified

3

Contradicted by research

0:05:50Aly Cohencontradictedhigh

There are 160,000 wastewater treatment plants serving 85% of the US population's drinking water.

"why there's so much contamination in all 160,000 wastewater treatment plants that serve 85% of the US population's drinking water" (said at 0:05:50)

The speaker confuses and conflates statistics regarding US wastewater treatment facilities and drinking water systems. According to US EPA data cited across environmental literature (such as status reviews of US public water systems), there are approximately 16,000 publicly owned wastewater treatment plants in the United States, not 160,000. Additionally, wastewater treatment plants process sewage and discharge treated effluent into surface waters; drinking water is supplied by community and public water systems (approx. 150,000 public water systems, of which ~50,000 are community water systems serving over 90% of the US population). While some drinking water surface sources receive upstream wastewater discharge (indirect reuse), wastewater treatment plants themselves do not directly serve 85% of the population's drinking water.

0:06:45Aly Cohencontradictedhigh

Water makes up 85 to 90% of cells and the human body.

"Water is such an important part of the human body. It is part of 85 to 90% makeup of our cells and the human body, even the brain of course." (said at 0:06:45)

Standard human physiological data show that total body water accounts for approximately 50% to 60% of total body weight in healthy adults (varying slightly by sex, age, and adiposity) and typical human cells are approximately 70% water. In newborns, total body water averages approximately 73.8%, with levels approaching 85% to 90% only seen in extremely premature fetuses (e.g., around 26 weeks gestation). Brain tissue contains approximately 73% to 80% water. Claiming that water comprises 85% to 90% of the adult human body and its cells substantially overestimates standard physiological baselines.

0:50:35Aly Cohencontradictedmoderate

Teenagers use more personal care products in a 24-hour period than any other demographic group.

"letting teenagers know they use the most personal care products in 24 hours than any other demographic." (said at 0:50:35)

Surveys and exposure assessments of daily personal care product (PCP) use across demographic groups show that adult women, rather than teenagers as an overall demographic group, consistently report the highest total number and variety of personal care products used per day. Studies examining PCP use patterns across age groups indicate that concurrent use and multi-product regimens are highest and most complex among adults.

Unverified means no publication matching the claim was located; it does not prove the claim false. Spotted an error? See the corrections policy - disputes from the people quoted are prioritized.