What IS PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products. They have been used in applications such as nonstick cookware coatings, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam.
These chemicals can enter the environment through industrial discharge, landfill runoff, and the widespread use of firefighting foam at military bases, airports, and training facilities. Once released, PFAS can migrate into soil and groundwater, eventually contaminating public and private drinking water supplies.
Because PFAS do not easily break down in the environment or the human body, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” As a result, contamination has been detected in thousands of communities across the United States, potentially exposing millions of people.
Government testing, including data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has identified PFAS contamination in numerous municipal water systems nationwide. Additional research, including studies by the U.S. Geological Survey, has estimated that a significant portion of the U.S. population may be exposed to PFAS through drinking water.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS-contaminated drinking water over time has been linked in scientific research to a range of serious health conditions. Studies and public health agencies have identified associations between PFAS exposure and:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
Research, including findings referenced by the National Cancer Institute, has also examined associations between certain PFAS compounds (such as PFOA) and increased risks of kidney cancer.
Although research is ongoing, PFAS exposure has become a significant public health concern due to its persistence and widespread presence in the environment.
How PFAS Enters Drinking Water
PFAS contamination can occur through several pathways, including proximity to:
- Military bases
- Airports
- Firefighting training facilities
- Industrial manufacturing sites
- Landfills
One of the most significant sources of contamination has been firefighting foam, which has been used extensively at military and aviation sites. Over time, these chemicals can seep into surrounding soil and groundwater, eventually entering local water systems.
Health Effects and Scientific Research
Scientific studies have explored the potential connection between PFAS exposure and disease outcomes. Research has suggested a “probable link” between certain PFAS compounds and kidney and testicular cancers. Additional studies have also associated PFAS exposure with broader immune, hormonal, and gastrointestinal health effects.
Ongoing research continues to evaluate the full scope of PFAS-related health risks, including long-term exposure impacts.
