PFAS Contamination Map

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries since the 1940s. Often called "forever chemicals," PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment and in the human body, meaning they don't break down naturally and can accumulate over time.

These chemicals are found in a wide range of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, firefighting foams, and food packaging. PFAS have also contaminated drinking water supplies near manufacturing facilities, military bases, and airports where firefighting foams were used.

There are thousands of different PFAS chemicals, but PFOA and PFOS are the most studied and most commonly detected in drinking water. The EPA has established enforceable limits for six PFAS compounds as of 2024.

Research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health effects. While the science is still evolving, studies have associated PFAS with:

• Cancer: Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, particularly associated with PFOA exposure
• Thyroid disease: Disruption of thyroid hormone levels, which regulate metabolism and development
• Immune system effects: Reduced vaccine effectiveness and weakened immune response
• Reproductive issues: Decreased fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and developmental effects in infants
• Cholesterol changes: Increased cholesterol levels, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease
• Liver effects: Changes in liver enzyme levels and potential liver damage

Children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems may be more vulnerable to the effects of PFAS exposure.