By Samhar Almomani, Publishing Associate: Researcher and Writer at Save the Water™ | December 07, 2024

Edited by Joshua Awolaye, Publishing Associate, Editor at Save the Water™

Forever chemicals, which include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are chemicals that break down slowly over time. Studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals can be extremely harmful. PFAS, which were first introduced to the market in the 1940s due to some useful properties, are widespread. They can be found in drinking water, food and food packaging, personal care products, and clothing. 

What are the Health Risks Associated with PFAS?

There are many types of PFAS, and each may impact health differently. Most of the current research on the health effects of PFAS contamination has focused on two chemicals: PFOA and PFOS. Current scientific studies suggest that exposure to certain levels can lead to:

• Increased cholesterol levels and risk of obesity.
• Increased risk for some cancers, such as kidney and prostate cancer.
• Developmental delays for children, such as low birth weight and accelerated puberty.
• Lower immunity response to fight off infections.
• Interference with hormones naturally produced in our bodies.
• Negative reproductive effects like decreased fertility and higher blood pressure in pregnant women.

Informed by these studies, the EPA issued health advisories in 2022. They warned that PFAS pose a greater danger to human health than was previously thought. Moreover, these can also be harmful at levels thousands of times lower than researchers initially thought. This means that exposure to small amounts can still be dangerous.

How Widespread Are PFAS?

A new study suggests PFAS are polluting drinking water for around 95 million Americans using public and private water wells. This is about 27% of the US population, in addition to other sources of contamination like food. 

The US Geological Survey readings of groundwater pollution models were 37,000 times more than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water limits. However, the 13% of US citizens whose water comes from private or small wells are not covered by these limits.

There is a wide variety in US areas when it comes to PFAS contamination. For example, 86-98% of groundwater water source users in Massachusetts may have their water supplies fouled with PFAS. In Connecticut, the percentage is between 67 and 87%.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk?

The EPA has several recommendations to reduce exposure to PFAS. Despite its widespread presence, you can take major steps to reduce your exposure and the associated negative health outcomes, such as:

• contacting your local water and local health agency and utility to know how they are addressing PFAS levels in the public drinking water system.
• installing in-home water treatment devices that have been shown to lower PFAS levels in water. 
• conducting well tests regularly if you get your water from a home drinking water well.
• using in-home filter treatments to reduce the levels.
• using alternative water sources for cooking,
• researching and replacing home items that may have higher PFAS rates, like food containers and non-stick cookware. 

By taking these steps, individuals are able to reduce their risk of exposure to PFAS. Playing our part by sharing this information with others can make communities healthier in the long run.