On this page, you will find more information about the sources and health effects of the PFAS that were analyzed in water samples, as well as recommended actions to reduce exposure to these PFAS.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or Per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances, are human-made compounds that do not easily break down in the environment or human body. They are used to make products water-repellent or stain-repellent. In your house, PFAS can be found in nonstick cookware, carpets and furniture upholstery, rain jackets, and more. It is also used for military and emergency applications such as firefighting foam, in industries that use PFAS in their manufacturing processes, and in agricultural areas that use biosolids for land application. Since PFAS chemicals don't break down naturally and last a long time in the environment, they are also called "forever chemicals."
Did this study test for all of them?
There are thousands of PFAS. In this study, we tested your water for 25 of the most common compounds, which can provide an idea of whether there might be others in your water.
What do my results mean?
We discuss PFAS in water as 'parts per trillion.' 1 ppt is like one drop in an Olympic-sized pool.
Do they matter for health?
Research on the health effects of PFAS in humans is still ongoing. Drinking water contaminated with high levels of some types of PFAS could increase the risk for developing testicular and kidney cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a reduced immune response to vaccines. PFAS compounds have also been weakly linked with ADHD and other effects on the brain like visual motor impairment and poor executive function.
How much is known about PFAS in water?
Currently, state and federal drinking water guidelines exist for only some PFAS. As of April 2024, the US EPA finalized a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) establishing legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for six PFAS in drinking water. Some states have also set their own guidelines for certain PFAs.
Were any PFAS detected that don’t have health limits?
There is a lot that is still unknown about PFAS and their health effects, so many PFAS don’t have any health limits or guidelines. Overall, we detected 0 PFAS without drinking water limits set by the EPA or the states where guidelines exist.
What actions can I take?
Both under-sink and whole-house water filters are effective at removing PFAS from water, though reverse osmosis are usually more effective at reducing higher levels of PFAS.
