PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances. (You may know them by an older term “PFCs,” or perfluorochemicals).
It’s a group of chemicals that have properties that allow them to repel water and oil. Manufacturers use PFAS to make everyday household products, as well as things in industries like:
Dubbed as “forever chemicals,” PFAS chemicals don't break down easily over time and are able to dissolve in water. Because of that, some scientists are concerned that these chemicals could build to levels that could harm the environment -- and your body. While there are studies that show evidence of this, we need more research to be sure of their effects on people.
Eight major chemical companies entered into an agreement called the PFOA Stewardship Program to stop production of certain PFAS in the U.S. But they can still come in through imported products. And U.S. manufacturers continue to make and use other PFAS.
PFAS from foods or drinks build up in your body and stay there for a long time. Some studies suggest that high levels of PFAS can lead to things like:
Research continues so that we can learn more about the relationship between PFAS and your health.
Some studies have tied PFAS chemicals to high blood pressure.
In a 2022 study, researchers checked blood samples from more than 1,000 middle-aged women of various races and ethnicities each year between 1999 and 2017. The women didn’t have high blood pressure at first.
By the end of the study, the researchers found that those with higher levels of PFAS in their blood were more likely to have high blood pressure than those with lower levels.
The researchers say their findings suggest that the chemicals may play an “underappreciated” role in women’s risk for heart and blood vessel diseases.
Other research suggests that high levels of PFAS may raise the odds for high blood pressure in pregnant women, also called preeclampsia.
Also, a 2020 study of over 15,000 young adults (ages 20 to 39) in Italy linked exposure to PFAS through drinking water with increased blood pressure. The researchers say more studies need to be done to confirm the finding.
You can get low levels of them through:
Are PFAS chemicals in your water?
PFAS have water- and oil-repelling properties. Because of that, higher levels may be found in water supplies near places that make, dispose of, or use PFAS.
In some communities, PFAS may have seeped into the water supply through groundwater run-off. You can learn about your local water supply by asking your local government for your area's drinking water quality report.
Does your makeup contain PFAS?
You might also take in PFAS through your makeup. PFAS are used in cosmetic products to condition and smooth out the skin and appear shiny. It can also affect the consistency and texture of the product. A 2021 study tested 231 cosmetic products. More than half contained PFAS.
The types of makeup that contain PFAS are:
PFAS may be listed on the ingredient list as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorodecalin, and perfluorohexane.
Are PFAS chemicals in your food?
PFAS seeps into food, especially through contaminated water or soil. Over time, the chemicals may also build up in animals and plants that come in contact with PFAS.
Low levels may also be found in foods like honey, eggs, and vegetables. The levels will depend on the type of food and specific PFAS chemicals involved.
Is PFAS in your food packaging?
The FDA allows manufacturers to safely use certain PFAS in food packaging because of its nonstick property.
It can be found in:
PFAS use is not limited to plastic or foam products. It may also be found in plant fiber-based food packaging and takeout containers.
Which other everyday products may have PFAS?
PFAS can also get into your system as you come in contact with certain products made to be nonstick, stain-repellent, or water-repellent like:
Workers might also breathe in these substances at places that make PFAS or use them to create other products.
The FDA regularly tests foods and products that people most commonly eat or use for PFAS levels. If the levels are detectable, the FDA does safety checks to see if it can harm human health or needs more investigation.
In 2016, the FDA barred the use of certain types of PFAS, called long-chain PFAS, from food packaging. It was found to have toxic effects on animal and human health.
To limit dangerous PFAS exposure through contamination and overall use, the Environmental Protection agency (EPA) plans to tackle the problem by taking the following steps:
If you think you or your loved one may have been exposed to high levels of PFAS, tell your doctor about it. If the exposure is through contaminated tap water, switch to using bottled water for drinking and cooking.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant and you’ve come in contact with PFAS, tell your obstetrician. They’ll have to closely monitor your blood pressure.
You can’t avoid these chemicals completely, but you can do things to minimize how often you come in contact with them:
Check your drinking water. If you get your H2O from a public drinking water system, call your local water utility and ask if they’ve tested the water for PFAS levels. Compare any results they give you to either:
If you decide to get your water tested yourself, the agency says it’s important to get the results through a state-certified laboratory that uses testing methods developed by the EPA.
If you learn your drinking water has high levels of PFAs, you could:
If you get your drinking water from a private well, you’ll need to test the quality of the water and check its PFAS levels regularly. You can call your state’s environmental or health agency to get a list of state-certified labs.
Be choosy about your seafood. If you eat locally sourced fish or shellfish, check your local fish advisories before you chow down.
Dust your home regularly. PFAS can collect in household dust. Vacuum carpets, use a wet mop on solid floors, and wipe other solid surfaces with a wet cloth.
Think about making smart swaps like these:
Healthychildren.org: “PFAS: Limiting Children’s Exposure to ‘Forever Chemicals.’”
CDC: “What are the health effects of PFAS?” “Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) Factsheet.”
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: “Talking to Your Doctor about Exposure to PFAS.”
Hypertension: “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Incident Hypertension in Multi-Racial/Ethnic Women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.”
Environmental Health: “Perfluoroalkyl substances are associated with elevated blood pressure and hypertension in highly exposed young adults.”
EPA: “Meaningful and Achievable Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk,” “Basic Information on PFAS,” “Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS,” “PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA's Commitments to Action 2021-2024.”
FDA: “Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Cosmetics,” “Authorized Uses of PFAS in Food Contact Applications.”
DTSC: “Food Packaging Containing Perfluoroalkyl or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.”
Food Insight: “FAQ About PFAS and Food.”
Rhode Island Dept. of Health: “PFAS Contamination of Water.”
Science News for Students: “Lots of makeup may contain potentially harmful ‘forever chemicals.’”
Environmental Science & Technology: “Fluorinated Compounds in North American Cosmetics.”
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: “Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).”
USGS: "Where can I find information about my local drinking water supply?"
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