What Are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. Nicknamed "forever chemicals" because of their remarkable persistence in the environment and the human body, PFAS don't break down naturally and can accumulate over time.

These chemicals have been used in a wide variety of products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water, including:

• Non-stick cookware (like Teflon)
• Water-repellent clothing and fabrics
• Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
• Food packaging (like pizza boxes and fast-food wrappers)
• Firefighting foams used at airports and military bases
• Personal care products like waterproof mascara and dental floss

Two of the most studied PFAS compounds are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). While these two compounds have been largely phased out in the U.S., they persist in the environment and have been replaced with alternative PFAS that may pose similar health concerns.

How Do PFAS Get Into Our Drinking Water?

PFAS can enter water sources through various pathways:

1. Industrial releases: Factories that produce or use PFAS can release these chemicals into the air or directly discharge them in wastewater.
2. Firefighting activities: The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, especially at airports, military installations, and firefighter training areas, has led to significant groundwater contamination.
3. Landfill leachate: When products containing PFAS are disposed of in landfills, the chemicals can leach into groundwater.
4. Biosolids application: Sewage sludge used as fertilizer can contaminate soil and eventually water sources if it contains PFAS from industrial or consumer sources.
5. Consumer products: The everyday use and disposal of PFAS-containing products contribute to environmental contamination.

Once PFAS enter the environment, they can travel long distances, move through soil, seep into groundwater, or be carried through air. Their chemical stability means they don't break down, allowing them to persist indefinitely unless specifically treated and removed.

Health Concerns Associated with PFAS

Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health effects, though research is ongoing. The health implications of long-term, low-level exposure are still being understood, but current evidence suggests several concerning health outcomes:

Health Concern	Evidence Level
Increased cholesterol levels	Strong
Decreased vaccine response in children	Moderate to strong
Changes in liver enzymes	Moderate to strong
Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer	Moderate
Pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia	Moderate
Thyroid disease	Moderate
Lower birth weight	Moderate

PFAS are particularly concerning because they:

• Bioaccumulate in the body over time
• Have long half-lives in humans (3-7 years or more)
• Can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy and through breastfeeding
• May have effects at very low concentrations

Sensitive populations including pregnant women, infants, children, and those with compromised immune systems may be at greater risk from PFAS exposure.

PFAS Regulations and Guidelines

The regulatory landscape for PFAS is evolving as scientists learn more about these chemicals and their health impacts. Here's the current situation:

Federal Level: In 2023, the EPA established a national primary drinking water regulation for PFOA and PFOS, setting the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for each compound. The EPA also regulates certain PFAS mixtures and is developing additional regulations for other PFAS compounds.

State Level: Many states have established their own, often stricter, guidelines or standards for PFAS in drinking water. Some states regulate additional PFAS compounds beyond PFOA and PFOS.

Health advisories and regulatory standards for PFAS are typically measured in parts per trillion (ppt) – an extremely small concentration that illustrates the potency of these chemicals. For perspective, one part per trillion is equivalent to one drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to PFAS

Check Your Water Source

The first step is to understand if your water contains PFAS:

• Request a water quality report from your local utility if you use public water
• Have your water tested by a certified laboratory if you use well water
• Check the EPA's PFAS information page or your state's environmental health department for known contamination in your area

Water Filtration Options

If PFAS are detected in your water, certain filtration technologies can effectively reduce these chemicals:

Filtration Technology	Effectiveness for PFAS	System Type
Activated Carbon Filters	Good (60-95%)	Pitcher, faucet-mounted, under-sink, whole-house
Reverse Osmosis (RO)	Excellent (90-99%)	Under-sink, whole-house
Ion Exchange Resins	Excellent (90-99%)	Under-sink, whole-house
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)	Good to Excellent (varies by PFAS type)	Under-sink, whole-house
Standard Water Pitcher Filters	Limited to Poor	Countertop pitcher

Filter Selection Tips:

• Look for filters that are NSF/ANSI certified for PFAS reduction (Standard P473)
• Reverse osmosis combined with activated carbon offers the most comprehensive protection
• Replace filter cartridges according to manufacturer guidelines
• Consider point-of-use filters for drinking and cooking water as a minimum measure

Reduce PFAS Exposure from Other Sources

While drinking water is a significant exposure pathway, you can also reduce your overall PFAS exposure by:

• Avoiding stain-resistant treatments on carpeting and furniture
• Looking for "PFAS-free" labels on products
• Using cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware instead of non-stick
• Avoiding fast food and microwave popcorn, which often use PFAS-containing packaging
• Reading product labels to avoid ingredients with "perfluoro" or "polyfluoro" in the name

Looking Forward: The Future of PFAS

As awareness of PFAS contamination grows, so do efforts to address these persistent chemicals:

• Regulatory changes: More comprehensive regulations are expected at both federal and state levels
• Alternative development: Industries are working to develop safer alternatives to PFAS
• Cleanup technologies: New methods for removing PFAS from the environment are being researched
• Biomonitoring: Ongoing research is tracking PFAS levels in the population
• Legal action: Multiple lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers are proceeding through courts

The path to addressing PFAS will require coordinated efforts among regulators, industries, communities, and individuals. By staying informed and taking protective measures, you can reduce your exposure while broader solutions are developed.