PFAS Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water
PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals that contaminate water nationwide. Linked to cancer and immune system damage, these "forever chemicals" don't break down and accumulate in your body over time.
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in manufacturing, firefighting foam, and consumer products. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them useful but also indestructible.
Why "Forever Chemicals"? PFAS don't break down in nature or the human body. They accumulate in blood, organs, and tissue. Half-life in humans is 2-8 years, meaning it takes that long for your body to eliminate just half of what you've absorbed. Recent USGS study found PFAS in 45% of U.S. tap water samples.
Health Effects
Long-Term Health Risks
- • Kidney and testicular cancer
- • Thyroid disease and hormone disruption
- • Liver damage and elevated cholesterol
- • Weakened immune system (reduced vaccine effectiveness)
- • Pregnancy complications including preeclampsia
- • Decreased fertility in both men and women
- • Developmental delays in children
Most Vulnerable: Pregnant women (PFAS crosses placenta), nursing mothers (found in breast milk), infants, and people with compromised immune systems.
EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels
New in 2024: EPA finalized enforceable limits for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFBS. Previous advisory level was 70 ppt. Many states have stricter standards (Vermont: 20 ppt, Michigan: 8 ppt).
How PFAS Gets Into Water
Firefighting Foam
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used at military bases, airports, and fire training facilities. Major source of groundwater contamination.
Industrial Discharge
Manufacturing facilities for non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics, and other PFAS-containing products.
Landfill Leachate
PFAS from disposed products (food packaging, carpets, clothing) leaches into groundwater.
Wastewater Treatment Plants
Standard treatment cannot remove PFAS. Discharge returns contaminated water to environment.
Most Affected US Cities and Regions
Cities with Known PFAS Contamination
- • Parchment & Kalamazoo, Michigan
- • Hoosick Falls, New York
- • Colorado Springs, Colorado
- • Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- • Newburgh, New York
- • Wilmington, North Carolina
High-Risk Areas
- • Near military bases with firefighting training
- • Communities near airports
- • Industrial areas (MI, NY, NJ, NC)
- • Downwind/downstream of manufacturing
Widespread Issue: An estimated 200+ million Americans have PFAS in their water. Recent testing found PFAS in 45% of U.S. tap water samples, including remote rural areas.
Testing for PFAS
When to Test
- • Live near military base, airport, or industrial area
- • Pregnant or planning pregnancy
- • Private well user
- • Municipal system with past PFAS detections
Testing Options
- EPA-certified labs: Comprehensive PFAS panel, $200-600
- State health departments: Often offer free or low-cost testing
- Private labs: Vary in cost based on compounds tested
How to Remove PFAS from Water
Effective Methods
1. Reverse Osmosis (Best Option)
Effectiveness: 90-99% reduction
Point-of-use systems under sink. Must be NSF/ANSI Standard 58 certified for PFAS. Replace membrane and filters on schedule.
2. Activated Carbon (GAC)
Effectiveness: 70-90% reduction
Must be certified specifically for PFAS under NSF/ANSI Standard 53. Requires frequent replacement.
3. Ion Exchange
Effectiveness: 85-95% reduction
Specialized resins for PFAS removal. Less common for home use but effective.
Critical Warnings
- • Filter MUST be certified specifically for PFAS removal
- • Standard carbon filters without PFAS certification don't work
- • Replace filters on schedule - saturated filters may release PFAS
- • Boiling water does NOT remove PFAS
- • Distillation is NOT effective for PFAS