PFAS in Water: A Growing Concern and Why Testing Matters
- Published:
- Updated: February 17, 2025
Summary
PFAS, found in various products, contaminate water sources via industrial releases and landfills. Exposure poses health risks like cancer and immune system issues. Testing is crucial to understand contamination levels. Reduction methods include filtration systems and avoiding PFAS-containing products. Governments should regulate PFAS use and fund research. Testing ensures safe drinking water.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are now a growing problem in water quality. These heat, water and oil-resistant chemicals have been used in hundreds of home and industrial products for decades. Because of this widespread application, PFAS are now documented in water bodies around the world and are now seen as a threat to human and ecological health. It’s imperative to test water for PFAS in order to determine where the contamination lies and what actions should be taken to avoid public health hazards.
What are PFAS and How Do They End Up in Water?
PFAS, comprised of over 4,000 different chemicals, were used in industry and at home. The most ubiquitous of these PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), used in the manufacture of Teflon and other non-stick products. Also in use are PFAS in the production of fire fighting foams, most frequently deployed by airports, military installations and other hot locations.
PFAS can be released into water from industrial sources, wastewater, landfill and fire-training installations. PFAS released into the environment can enter water systems as runoff or as groundwater leaching. This can lead to PFAS in drinking water wells especially in industrial and fire-training operations and landfills.
PFAS is even present in food (it is added to food packaging to avoid grease and staining). Which means we can be poisoned by PFAS not only in drinking water, but also in food.
The Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
PFAS are toxins that can cause everything from kidney and testicular cancer to thyroid disease, low birth weight and immune disorders. These noxious health effects are caused by the PFAS’s capability to disrupt the body’s natural hormones and the immune system.
Research has identified PFAS as damaging to the body’s own hormones such as thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth and development. This interference can create many diseases, such as thyroid disease and other hormonal problems.
PFAS, as well as hormonal disturbance, can suppress the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to resist infections and diseases. This is especially problematic for children, pregnant women and other sensitive groups whose immune systems are just starting to form and thus can be especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of PFAS exposure.
How to Reduce PFAS Exposure
While testing for PFAS in Drinking Water and Human Health">PFAS is important, it is also important to take steps to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals. Some steps that individuals can take to reduce PFAS exposure include: Implementing water filtration systems that specifically target PFAS can significantly lower the concentration of these substances in drinking water. Additionally, being mindful of consumer products containing PFAS, such as certain non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, can help reduce overall exposure. In this context, it’s essential to understand what are perfluorooctane sulfonic acids, as they are one of the most studied and concerning classes of PFAS associated with adverse health effects.
- Using a water filtration system that is certified to remove PFAS from drinking water, such as activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and ion exchange filters
- Avoiding products that contain PFAS, such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging. When possible, choose alternatives that do not contain PFAS, such as ceramic or stainless steel cookware.
- Limiting consumption of foods that may contain PFAS, such as fast food, processed foods, and microwave popcorn. Opt for fresh, whole foods instead.
- Choosing alternative fire fighting foams that do not contain PFAS, such as foams made with protein or alcohol-based surfactants.
In addition to individual actions, it is also important for communities and governments to take steps to reduce PFAS exposure and protect water quality. This can include:
- Regulating the use of PFAS in industries and products, by setting limits on the amount of PFAS allowed in products and industrial processes
- Implementing stricter standards for PFAS discharge from industrial sites and wastewater treatment facilities, to reduce the amount of PFAS entering water sources
- Cleaning up contaminated sites and groundwater, to reduce the amount of PFAS in the environment and prevent further exposure
- Providing funding for research on the health effects of PFAS exposure and the development of safer alternatives, to better understand the impact of these chemicals on human health and the environment.
Why Testing for PFAS is Important
Because PFAS exposure is so toxic, it is very important to test water for these chemicals before drinking. PFAS testing can tell us how these chemicals get into water, and to what extent and severity of exposure they may be harmful.
If detected, PFAS testing can ensure water utilities and treatment plants are doing everything possible to safely filter out PFAS from water for reduced exposure risk and better water quality. It could be hard to tell without testing if PFAS are found in water, and if so, how much, and we would continue to be exposed to these toxic chemicals.
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