You may have heard them referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used in countless industries since the 1940s.
Because of their unique chemical structure—which includes incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bonds—they are resistant to water, grease, heat, and stains. While these properties made them highly valuable for industrial and consumer products, they also make them virtually impossible to break down in the natural environment.
Why Are They Called “Forever Chemicals”?
PFAS do not degrade through natural processes like sunlight, water, or microbial action. Once they enter the environment, they persist indefinitely. This persistence means that they accumulate over time in soil, water, and even in human blood and tissues—a process known as bioaccumulation. Because they are not easily metabolized or excreted, repeated exposure leads to higher internal levels within the body.
Common Sources of PFAS
You are likely exposed to PFAS through everyday items, as they are used in:
- Consumer Goods: Non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpeting, waterproof clothing, and food packaging (like grease-resistant fast-food wrappers).
- Personal Care: Certain cosmetics, sunscreens, and even dental floss.
- Industrial Applications: Firefighting foams (often used at airports and military bases), chrome plating, and electronics manufacturing.
- Drinking Water: PFAS enter water supplies through industrial discharge, runoff from landfills, the use of firefighting foams, and wastewater treatment plants that were not designed to filter out these complex compounds.
Why Are They Dangerous?
Research into PFAS is ongoing, but scientific evidence has linked exposure to a variety of serious health issues. Because these chemicals accumulate in the body, they can interfere with normal biological processes, including immune function and hormone regulation.
Potential health risks identified by agencies like the EPA and the CDC include:
- Increased Cancer Risk: Studies have associated exposure with higher rates of kidney and testicular cancer.
- Immune System Suppression: Exposure can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Reproductive & Developmental Issues: Links have been found to reduced fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclampsia), and developmental delays in children.
- Endocrine Disruption: PFAS can mimic or interfere with natural hormones, potentially impacting thyroid function and metabolism.
- Liver and Kidney Damage: Accumulated PFAS can cause liver toxicity and are associated with changes in liver enzymes and cholesterol levels.
Managing the Risk in Your Home
Because PFAS are ubiquitous and traditional municipal water treatment systems are often not designed to remove them, many households are increasingly looking into independent water testing to understand their local water quality.
If you are concerned about potential contamination in your home, professional testing is the best way to get accurate data rather than relying on guesswork. Knowledge of your specific water profile is the first step toward determining if specialized filtration—such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems—is necessary for your household.
If you have concerns about the water quality in your home or building, contact our team to learn more about how we can help you assess your environmental risks.
Do you have questions about whether your local water utility has published recent reports regarding “emerging contaminants” like PFAS?