PFAS INFORMATION & FILTRATION

PFAS stands for Per‑ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These are a large group of man‑made chemicals used since the 1940s in many industrial and consumer products because they resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water (US EPA).

Two of the better‑known PFAS are PFOA and PFOS. While these have been phased out or reduced in many uses, there are thousands of other PFAS, many of which have not been studied as well. One of the key concerns is that PFAS persist in the environment; they break down very slowly, and can build up in water, soil, wildlife, and human bodies over time (US EPA).

PFAS can enter drinking water supplies in multiple ways, including:

• From industrial sites or manufacturing that uses PFAS
   
• Through firefighting foams (especially training, emergency response, airports, military facilities) that contain PFAS
   
• Via waste disposal, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants. PFAS in treated wastewater or biosolids can migrate into soil, groundwater, and surface water
   
• From food, food packaging, and household products (carpets, fabrics, non‑stick cookware, etc.) (US EPA)
   

Because PFAS can be in water, soil, air, dust, food, and products in homes, most U.S. residents have some level of exposure. But those living near PFAS sources (industrial sites, military bases, airports, etc.) or using contaminated well water may face higher exposures (US EPA).

The EPA’s current understanding (based on peer‑reviewed studies) suggests that exposure to certain PFAS can lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes. Some of the known or potential effects include:

• Decreased fertility
• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Lower birth weight
• Delays in development
• Early puberty
• Bone growth variations
• Increased risk of some cancers, such as prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers
• Reduced ability to fight infections
• Reduced vaccine response
• Interference with natural hormone regulation
• Higher cholesterol levels
• Increased risk of obesity 

Children, pregnant people, and those with higher exposure (e.g. near industrial or PFAS‑using sites, or with contaminated water sources) are at greater risk. Children are more vulnerable due to smaller body size, developmental stages, and behaviors like crawling or putting things in their mouths that increase exposure (US EPA).

1. Testing – Check whether your water supply (especially private wells) has been tested for PFAS. Public water systems are increasingly doing this as regulations tighten.
    
2. Filtration / Treatment – Use water filtration systems that are NSF/ANSI certified and certified to reduce PFAS.
    
3. Avoid known sources – Be cautious about using products or cookware that may contribute to PFAS exposure, check packaging, avoid non‑stick items if concerned, etc.
    
4. Stay informed – Follow updates from EPA, state environmental health departments, or local water utilities for PFAS monitoring and regulations.

• We offer PFAS testing to determine whether PFAS are present and at what levels
   
• We consult on filtration strategies tailored to your home

To help reduce PFAS in your drinking water at home, we recommend using a NSF/ANSI certified filter designed to mitigate PFAS.

GET PFAS FILTRATION

Work Cited:

• United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS.” Www.epa.gov, EPA, 26 Nov. 2024, www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas.

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Published on: 9/19/2025

Last updated on: 9/19/2025