What is PFAS?

Understanding "Forever Chemicals" and Why They Matter

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. Because they don't break down naturally, they're often called "forever chemicals."

Quick Overview

What Are PFAS?

The Basics You Need to Know

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. They include PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals.

Why they're concerning: PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment and in the human body, meaning they don't break down and can accumulate over time.

How Does Exposure Happen?

PFAS Are Everywhere

PFAS can be found in:

Water - drinking water, groundwater, rainwater
Food - fish, dairy products, produce grown in contaminated soil
Consumer products - non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, stain-resistant furniture
Air - near manufacturing facilities, landfills, wastewater treatment plants

The reality: PFAS move easily through soil and water, spreading far from their original source.

Photo: Exposure pathways to humans.

How Widespread Is Exposure?

Nearly Everyone Is Affected

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According to the CDC, PFAS have been found in the blood of 97% of Americans. These chemicals have been detected in:

Public water systems serving millions of people
Private wells across the country
Food supplies and agricultural products
Indoor environments in homes and workplaces

Michigan context: Our state has been particularly proactive in PFAS monitoring, identifying contamination at numerous sites across Michigan.

Health Effects

What Research Shows

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The EPA states that exposure to PFAS may lead to:

Increased cholesterol levels
Changes in liver enzymes
Decreased vaccine response
Increased risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women
Small decreases in infant birth weights

Current research continues to investigate links between PFAS exposure and various health outcomes, including certain cancers and immune system effects.

Why Testing Matters

Knowledge Is Power

Testing is the only way to know if PFAS are present in your water. Without testing, you're making decisions in the dark.

Testing helps you:

Make informed decisions about your water safety
Take action if PFAS are detected
Protect your family with reliable information
Plan solutions based on actual data, not guesswork

The good news: Effective treatment options exist when PFAS are detected.

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"Understanding PFAS is the first step. Testing gives you the information you need to take action."

Comprehensive Information

In-Depth: What Are PFAS?

The Science Behind Forever Chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make them extremely persistent in the environment.

Chemical Properties

PFAS are valued for their unique properties:

Water and oil resistant - repel both water and grease
Heat resistant - stable at high temperatures
Chemical stability - don't react with other substances easily
Surfactant properties - reduce surface tension

Common PFAS Types

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) - used in non-stick coatings
PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) - used in stain repellents and firefighting foam
GenX chemicals - replacement chemicals for PFOA and PFOS
PFBS, PFNA, PFHxS - other common varieties with industrial uses

Historical Context

PFAS were first developed in the 1930s and became widely used after World War II. For decades, their persistence was seen as an advantage. Only in recent years has this same persistence been recognized as an environmental and health concern.

Diagram: Components of PFAS Generic Compounds

In-Depth: PFAS Contamination Cycle

How Forever Chemicals Move Through Our Environment

1. Industrial Sources

Many PFAS chemicals originate from industrial manufacturing. Factories producing non-stick coatings, water-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and other products discharge PFAS into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or directly into the environment. Even after being processed at WWTPs, PFAS persist and enter our water systems.

2. Consumer Products & Everyday Exposure

PFAS are in food packaging, stain-resistant furniture, and waterproof clothing. Once these products are used or disposed of, PFAS can leach into the air, soil, and water. Over time, household waste and landfill runoff carry PFAS into drinking water sources.

3. Wastewater Treatment Plants - A Major Route

WWTPs are not designed to filter out PFAS, so treated wastewater still contains high PFAS levels. The sludge left over from treatment (biosolids) is often used as agricultural fertilizer, unknowingly contaminating soil.

4. Soil & Agriculture - Food Chain Contamination

PFAS in biosolids seep into crops and livestock feed. This means humans ingest PFAS through food—especially dairy, meat, and produce grown in contaminated soil.

5. Landfills & Waste Disposal

Consumer products and industrial waste release PFAS into landfills. Rainwater can wash PFAS from landfills into the soil and groundwater, further contaminating drinking water.

6. Firefighting Foam (AFFF) - A Major Contributor

AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) used at airports and military sites is one of the most notorious PFAS sources. This foam washes into surface water, contaminating entire water systems.

7. Water Contamination - The Direct Link

PFAS enter lakes, rivers, and drinking water supplies, where they bioaccumulate in fish and wildlife. Once in the water, PFAS move into humans through drinking, cooking, and eating contaminated food.

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The PFAS cycle is relentless. Unlike other pollutants that degrade, PFAS persist in the environment and continue circulating—leading to higher concentrations over time.

In-Depth: Exposure Statistics

The Scope of PFAS Contamination

National Data

According to the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES):

97% of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood
PFAS levels vary by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic location
Certain populations show higher exposure levels, including communities near industrial sources

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Water System Contamination

EPA data shows:

Public water systems serving over 200 million Americans may contain PFAS
Private wells are increasingly tested and found to contain PFAS
Geographic patterns show contamination near industrial facilities, military bases, and airports

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Michigan Specific Data

Michigan has been a leader in PFAS monitoring and response:

Over 11,000 sites tested for PFAS contamination across the state
Dozens of public water systems have detected PFAS above advisory levels
Proactive testing programs continue to identify new contamination sources
Regulatory response includes some of the nation's most protective drinking water standards

Click Here to Look at Any Michigan Location

In-Depth: Health Research

What Science Tells Us About PFAS Health Effects

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EPA Health Advisory

The Environmental Protection Agency has established health advisories for PFOA and PFOS, stating that exposure may result in:

Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women
Developmental effects to a fetus during pregnancy or to breastfed infants (e.g., low birth weight, accelerated puberty, skeletal variations)
Increased risk of some cancers (e.g., prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers)
Reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response
Interference with the body's natural hormones
Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity

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CDC Findings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that studies in humans with PFAS exposure have shown:

Increased cholesterol levels
Changes in liver enzymes
Small decreases in infant birth weights
Decreased vaccine response in children
Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women

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Ongoing Research

Scientific research on PFAS health effects continues to evolve. Studies are investigating:

Cancer risks and specific cancer types
Immune system impacts and autoimmune diseases
Endocrine disruption and hormone-related effects
Cardiovascular health impacts
Kidney and liver function changes

Important note: While research continues, the persistent nature of PFAS and their widespread presence in the environment makes exposure reduction a prudent approach.

In-Depth: Michigan PFAS Response

Our State's Proactive Approach

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Regulatory Leadership

Michigan has implemented some of the nation's most protective PFAS standards:

Drinking water standards for seven PFAS compounds
Groundwater cleanup criteria for contaminated sites
Surface water quality standards for environmental protection

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Statewide Testing Initiative

Michigan's comprehensive PFAS testing program includes:

Public water system monitoring across the state
Private well testing assistance programs
Environmental site investigations at potential sources
Fish and wildlife monitoring in affected areas

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Community Response

Local communities affected by PFAS contamination receive:

Alternative water supplies when needed
Health consultations and medical monitoring
Environmental cleanup and remediation efforts
Ongoing monitoring to track progress

Diagram: Michigan's response to PFAS and major related events.

Ready to Take Action?

From Knowledge to Action

Now that you understand PFAS, the next step is testing. Knowledge about contamination in your area gives you the power to make informed decisions about your water safety.