PFAS FAQ
Answers to the most common PFAS questions about contamination, health impacts, testing, and remediation.
What are PFAS chemicals and why are they called 'forever chemicals'?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in various industries and consumer products. They're called 'forever chemicals' because they contain extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make them virtually indestructible under normal environmental conditions. This means they persist in the environment, water systems, and human body for decades or even centuries without breaking down naturally.
How do PFAS chemicals get into drinking water?
PFAS enter drinking water through multiple pathways: industrial discharges from manufacturing facilities, firefighting foam use at airports and military bases, landfill leachate containing PFAS-contaminated consumer products, agricultural application of biosolids (sewage sludge) containing PFAS, and atmospheric deposition from industrial emissions. Once in the environment, PFAS are highly mobile and can travel long distances through groundwater and surface water systems.
What health effects are associated with PFAS exposure?
Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health effects including increased risk of certain cancers (kidney, testicular), liver damage, compromised immune system function, increased cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and developmental delays in children. The health impacts may vary depending on the specific PFAS compound, exposure level, and duration of exposure.
How can I test my water for PFAS contamination?
You can test your water for PFAS through EPA-certified laboratories that offer PFAS testing services. If you have a private well, you're responsible for testing. If you receive water from a public system, contact your water utility to ask about PFAS testing results. Many utilities are required to test for PFAS under EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) and must make results available to customers.
What are the current EPA regulations for PFAS in drinking water?
The EPA has proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion (ppt) each, with additional regulations proposed for PFNA, PFHxS, and mixtures of certain PFAS. The agency previously issued Health Advisory Levels of 70 ppt combined for PFOA and PFOS. Final regulations are expected to be implemented by 2026, requiring public water systems to monitor and treat water that exceeds these limits.
How effective are water filters at removing PFAS?
The effectiveness of water filters varies significantly by technology. Reverse osmosis systems can remove 90-99% of PFAS compounds and are generally the most effective home treatment option. Activated carbon filters can be effective for some PFAS but performance varies by compound and filter quality. Ion exchange filters also show good removal rates. Standard pitcher filters and basic carbon filters are generally less effective. Look for NSF-certified filters specifically tested for PFAS removal.
Are shorter-chain PFAS chemicals safer than longer-chain ones?
Shorter-chain PFAS (like PFBS and PFHxA) are often marketed as safer alternatives to longer-chain compounds (like PFOA and PFOS), but they still pose significant concerns. While they may have lower bioaccumulation potential, they are more mobile in the environment, harder to remove from water, and their long-term health effects are not well understood. Many scientists argue that the entire class of PFAS should be regulated together due to their shared persistence and potential for harm.
What industries are the major sources of PFAS contamination?
Major PFAS sources include: military installations and airports (from firefighting foam use), chemical manufacturing facilities (production and use in industrial processes), textile and paper industries (water and stain-resistant coatings), automotive industry (components and maintenance), electronics manufacturing (semiconductors and components), oil and gas operations (drilling and processing chemicals), and waste management facilities (landfills and wastewater treatment plants accepting PFAS-contaminated waste).
How do PFAS affect agricultural products and food safety?
PFAS can contaminate agricultural products through irrigated water, application of PFAS-contaminated biosolids as fertilizer, and atmospheric deposition on crops. Studies have found PFAS in various foods including dairy products, meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Livestock can accumulate PFAS through contaminated feed and water, concentrating in milk and meat. This has led to farm closures and economic losses for agricultural operations in heavily contaminated areas.
What should I do if my water supply is contaminated with PFAS?
If your water contains PFAS above recommended levels: install a certified water treatment system (reverse osmosis is most effective), use bottled water for drinking and cooking if treatment isn't immediately available, contact your water utility or health department for guidance, avoid consuming locally caught fish from contaminated water bodies, and consider joining community efforts to address contamination sources. Document your exposure for potential future health monitoring or legal actions.
How long does PFAS remediation take and what does it cost?
PFAS remediation timelines vary greatly depending on contamination extent, site characteristics, and chosen technologies. Simple treatment system installation may take months, while comprehensive groundwater cleanup can take decades. Costs range from thousands of dollars for individual well treatment to hundreds of millions for large-scale environmental cleanup. Military base cleanups often take 10-30 years and cost tens of millions per site due to extensive contamination.
Can PFAS be completely destroyed or permanently removed from the environment?
PFAS can be destroyed through high-temperature incineration (>1000°C), certain advanced treatment technologies like plasma treatment, electrochemical oxidation, and supercritical water oxidation. However, these methods are expensive and energy-intensive. Most current remediation focuses on containment and treatment rather than destruction. Complete environmental cleanup is challenging because PFAS are so persistent and mobile, often requiring long-term management rather than complete removal.
Are there PFAS-free alternatives available for consumer products?
Yes, PFAS-free alternatives exist for many applications, though performance may vary. For cookware, stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic options avoid PFAS coatings. For clothing, natural fibers and some synthetic alternatives provide water resistance without PFAS. For food packaging, uncoated paper, glass, and certain wax coatings are PFAS-free. However, alternatives may not always match PFAS performance characteristics, driving continued research into safer substitutes.
How do PFAS regulations vary between different states?
State PFAS regulations vary significantly. States like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have established strict Maximum Contaminant Levels below EPA recommendations. Maine and Vermont have implemented comprehensive PFAS product restrictions and agricultural standards. Some states provide no additional regulations beyond federal requirements. This patchwork approach means your exposure limits and protections depend heavily on your location, with some communities having much stronger safeguards than others.
What role do military bases play in PFAS contamination?
Military bases are among the largest PFAS contamination sources due to decades of firefighting foam (AFFF) use for training and emergency response. The Department of Defense has identified contamination at hundreds of current and former installations. Military contamination is particularly challenging because bases often have extensive groundwater plumes affecting surrounding communities, complex ownership and jurisdiction issues, and ongoing operational requirements that complicate cleanup efforts.
How does PFAS contamination affect property values and real estate?
PFAS contamination can significantly impact property values, especially for homes with contaminated wells or near known sources. Properties may become difficult to sell, require expensive water treatment systems, or face ongoing liability concerns. Some areas have seen property value decreases of 10-20% or more. Real estate disclosure requirements vary by state, but buyers increasingly request PFAS testing as part of due diligence, particularly near military bases, airports, or industrial facilities.
Can PFAS exposure be detected through medical testing?
Yes, PFAS exposure can be measured through blood tests that detect specific PFAS compounds. However, these tests are typically used for research purposes rather than routine medical care, as there are no established medical treatments for PFAS exposure. Blood testing can help establish exposure levels for health monitoring or legal purposes but won't necessarily guide treatment decisions. Some healthcare providers may recommend testing for people with known high exposure.
What is being done to prevent future PFAS contamination?
Prevention efforts include: restricting PFAS use in consumer products (several states have passed restrictions), developing PFAS-free alternatives for essential uses, improving wastewater treatment to capture PFAS before environmental release, establishing stricter discharge limits for industrial facilities, phasing out PFAS-containing firefighting foams, and implementing comprehensive monitoring programs. The EPA is also considering designating certain PFAS as hazardous substances under Superfund law.
How do I find certified professionals for PFAS remediation?
Look for environmental consultants and remediation contractors with specific PFAS experience and certifications. Check with state environmental agencies for approved contractor lists. Ensure contractors have experience with your specific contamination scenario (residential wells, industrial sites, etc.) and ask for references from similar projects. Professional certifications from organizations like the National Ground Water Association or Interstate Technology Regulatory Council indicate specialized knowledge. Always verify insurance and licensing before hiring.
What research is being conducted on PFAS treatment and health effects?
Ongoing research includes: developing new treatment technologies for destroying PFAS, studying health effects of shorter-chain PFAS replacements, investigating PFAS sources and transport pathways, developing rapid and cost-effective testing methods, researching PFAS alternatives for essential uses, studying bioaccumulation in food webs, investigating remediation techniques for different environmental media, and conducting epidemiological studies on exposed populations. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and EPA are funding much of this research.