The Public Health Threat of PFAS in Water - What You Need to Know

By Alexandra Kroger

With the recent reports in the media reporting on water quality issues and the dangers of plastic  contaminants, it might seem counterintuitive for the government to choose this moment to roll back the implementation of safe drinking water standards, but on May 14th, that's exactly what the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did. In the face of this neglect of public health priorities, it is more important than ever to seek out sound educational resources from trusted, scientifically backed sources to help us understand how certain chemicals and minerals can impact public health. This information can provide insight into steps we can take to protect ourselves, as well as how to best advocate for our health and that of the environment by holding our elected officials accountable for upholding policies to keep us safe.

Microplastics are an issue that has been getting particularly high media coverage recently, but while the ubiquity of this substance is becoming more clear, scientists are still investigating specific impacts on the human body. 

Yet microplastics do not exist in isolation in the environment; their interaction with other contaminants present in water bodies can amplify known risks of those contaminants. One example of such an interaction is when microplastics are present in the same water as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Scientific studies indicate that microplastics act as carriers for PFAS, and their interaction in water could lead to combined toxicity. Commonly known as "forever chemicals," PFAS comprise a group of nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. The same properties that give them their value of providing resistance to heat, water, and oil also make them persistent in the environment and human bodies, leading to various health risks.

The human health effects of PFAS have been known and studied for several decades. PFAS exposure has been linked to increased risks of kidney, testicular, and liver cancer. Additionally,  chronic health conditions for the liver and the heart have been found in association with high blood levels of this chemical group. Because they can interfere with hormone production, PFAS can contribute to thyroid problems and metabolic disorders. During pregnancy, exposure to PFAS pose a significant risk to the health of both the mother and the fetus. 

You can take measures at home to reduce your exposure to PFAS  by eliminating or limiting your exposure to products known to contain them, such as certain food packaging, water-resistant clothing, and non-stick cookware. You can also contact your state environmental or health agency for information on how to check your drinking water for PFAS. Finally, home filtration treatments can be effective in filtering and removing PFAS chemicals. 

Note: This blog post focusing on the health impacts of PFAS exposure through water is drafted in collaboration with Drugwatch, a consumer advocacy organization that works with medical experts to develop public education resources on the health impacts of drugs and industrially produced chemicals. For more information from Drugwatch about the health risks of PFAS, click here.