PFAS

PFAS Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that are used in many consumer products and in manufacturing. PFAS are added to products to make them waterproof, nonstick, and stain resistant, and PFAS are used as a fire suppressor. There are over 9000 different PFAS compounds in existence. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they take a long time to break down in the environment or in our bodies.

2. How do PFAS chemicals get into my private well water?

There are a range of point sources and area sources for PFAS migration into the environment, including landfills, manufacturing facilities, and wastewater treatment plants. When PFAS are in the groundwater in an area, they may also enter private well water.

3. How can PFAS affect my health?

While there is still uncertainty about all the health effects PFAS might have on humans, scientists have found evidence that long-term exposure to some PFAS may lead to:

High cholesterol and high blood pressure
Lower infant birth weights
Thyroid disease
Lower immune response
Liver and kidney diseases
Changes in liver enzymes
Reproductive problems including pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes
ADHD and other neurological changes in children
Increased risk of cancers including breast, testicular, and kidney cancers

4. When should I be concerned about PFAS in my water?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed new drinking water standards for 6 types of PFAS. If accepted as the new regulation, all public drinking water systems will be required to remove PFAS to levels that are below the proposed maximum contaminant level (MCL). The proposed MCLs for two of the six PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid (PFOS), are 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) each, which is the equivalent of 4 droplets in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The sum of the MCLs for PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and HFPO-DA (also called GenX) is 1.0. Based on the EPA’s MCLs, you should be concerned if the levels of the 6 PFAS is greater than their own MCLs.

5. How do I get rid of PFAS in my water?

Of course, the best approach is to prevent PFAS from entering the water in the first place. Since PFAS are not naturally occurring, identifying the potential source and eliminating the source is important. Water treatment techniques at the point of use (POU) or point of entry (POE) in your home can also help reduce your exposure. POU water treatment is more economical and involves installing a filtration system under the sink for the faucet(s) that are most frequently used for drinking and cooking. Treatment systems that use granular activated carbon technology can be more economical than reverse osmosis (RO) but may not be as effective as RO at removing certain PFAS and other water contaminants, including heavy metals like lead and arsenic. Look for NSF P473 on the packaging to ensure that it is certified for PFAS removal.

6. How else can I be exposed to PFAS?

Most products that are waterproof, grease-resistant, or stain-resistant have PFAS in them. PFAS can be found in many consumer products like non-stick pans, dental floss, food packaging, makeup, lotions, furniture, and clothing. As a result of their widespread use in everyday products, PFAS have been measured in air and dust in homes.