PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are everywhere. In fact, they’ve been detected in the blood of nearly every American.
These man-made chemicals are used to make products water- and stain-resistant. Unfortunately, their benefits come at a serious cost: PFAS accumulate in the environment and in the human body, where they may remain for years.
And while you may not notice anything right away, PFAS can quietly affect your health over time.
How Do PFAS Get Into Your Body?
PFAS exposure happens more often than you might think. You might be exposed by:
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Drinking contaminated water
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Eating food grown near industrial sites
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Using products like waterproof clothing or non-stick pans
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Breathing in dust from treated carpets or furniture
Once PFAS enter your body, they bind to proteins in your blood and spread throughout your system.
What Are the Health Effects of PFAS?
Thyroid Problems
PFAS can affect how your thyroid gland works. Your thyroid controls metabolism, energy, and growth. When PFAS disrupt hormone production, it can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.
This effect is particularly concerning during pregnancy, as proper thyroid function is essential for fetal development.
Liver and Cholesterol Changes
PFAS can stress your liver and disrupt its normal functions. Researchers have found links between PFAS and:
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Elevated liver enzymes
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Fatty liver disease
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Increased cholesterol levels
These changes might not cause symptoms at first, but they can raise your risk for heart disease over time.
Cancer Risk
Some studies suggest a link between long-term PFAS exposure and certain types of cancer, including:
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Kidney cancer
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Testicular cancer
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Liver cancer (still being researched)
More research is ongoing, but the evidence so far is concerning enough to warrant action.
Reproductive and Developmental Issues
PFAS can affect fertility and disrupt menstrual cycles. In pregnant people, PFAS have been linked to:
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Low birth weight
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Premature delivery
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Developmental delays in infants
Children exposed early in life may also face a higher risk of learning and behavioral problems.
Weakened Immune Response
One of the most widely accepted health effects of PFAS is immune suppression. Some studies show that vaccinated individuals with high PFAS levels have a weaker immune response.
This is especially problematic for children, whose immune systems are still developing.
Why You Should Test Your Water
Since PFAS are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, the only way to detect them is through laboratory testing.
PFAS may be invisible, but their health effects are not. From hormone disruption to increased cancer risk, the impacts are wide-ranging—and often long-term.
Getting your water tested is one of the best ways to stay proactive. Radiant Environmental Labs is here to support you in protecting your health and your peace of mind.
At Radiant Environmental Labs, we provide accurate PFAS testing for residential, municipal, and commercial clients. Our reports help you understand your exposure and make informed decisions.