Most of us don’t think twice about pouring a glass of water from the tap. But in recent years, experts have raised alarms about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—a class of chemicals that have made their way into the drinking water of millions of homes across the U.S.
These “forever chemicals” are named for their resistance to breaking down in the environment or the human body. But their durability comes at a cost: growing evidence shows that PFAS can have serious health effects, especially with long-term exposure through drinking water.
In this blog, we’ll explain what PFAS are, what kinds of health effects they’re linked to, and how you can protect yourself and your family—starting with at-home PFAS water testing from TestPFAST.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including:
- Nonstick cookware (like Teflon pans)
- Water-resistant clothing
- Stain-resistant furniture and carpets
- Food packaging (such as greaseproof wrappers)
- Firefighting foam
These chemicals are incredibly resistant to heat, oil, water, and degradation—meaning they don’t break down easily. Over time, PFAS accumulate in the environment, wildlife, and the human body. That’s why they’re often called “forever chemicals.”
How Do PFAS Get Into Your Water?
PFAS contamination happens when these chemicals are released into the environment—often through manufacturing facilities, landfill runoff, firefighting training sites, or wastewater. From there, they seep into soil, rivers, and groundwater, eventually reaching municipal water systems and private wells.
Because PFAS are odorless, tasteless, and invisible, you won’t know they’re in your water unless you test for them.
A recent U.S. Geological Survey study estimates that up to 45% of U.S. tap water may contain PFAS.
Read the study summary
What Are the Health Effects of PFAS?
Over the past two decades, scientists have been studying PFAS exposure and its connection to various health conditions. While research is ongoing, a growing body of evidence shows that long-term PFAS exposure may contribute to the following health effects:
1. Cancer
Kidney and testicular cancers have been most strongly associated with PFAS exposure. Some studies suggest links to prostate, liver, and pancreatic cancer as well.
The EPA has classified some PFAS compounds as likely human carcinogens.
2. Liver Damage
PFAS can increase liver enzymes and may lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
3. Immune System Suppression
PFAS exposure may reduce your body’s ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines.
A 2020 review published in Environmental Health Perspectives found consistent evidence of PFAS-linked immune suppression, especially in children.
Read the study
4. Hormonal Disruption
PFAS can interfere with the body’s hormone systems, including:
- Thyroid hormone regulation
- Sex hormone balance
- Early menopause
5. Reproductive Issues
PFAS have been linked to:
- Infertility
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
Read about PFAS and fertility from NIEHS
6. Metabolic and Cardiovascular Effects
PFAS exposure has been associated with:
- High cholesterol (especially LDL)
- Insulin resistance
- Increased risk of high blood pressure
7. Developmental Effects in Children
In children, PFAS exposure has been linked to:
- Delayed growth
- ADHD and behavioral problems
- Weakened immune responses
Who Is Most at Risk?
While PFAS exposure can impact anyone, certain groups may be more vulnerable, including:
- Pregnant people
- Infants and children
- People with thyroid disease or compromised immune systems
- Residents who live near industrial sites, military bases, or airports
- People who rely on well water or older municipal systems
The Problem: You Can’t See PFAS in Your Water
PFAS contamination isn’t something you can detect with your eyes, nose, or taste buds. And unless your city regularly tests for PFAS and reports the results, you may never know they’re present.
That’s why home water testing for PFAS is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your health—and that’s where TestPFAST comes in.
TestPFAST: Easy, Accurate At-Home PFAS Water Testing
At TestPFAST, we believe you have the right to know what’s in your water. Our mission is to make PFAS testing simple, affordable, and accessible—so you can take action with confidence.
How it works:
- Order your test kit online at TestPFAST.com
- Collect your tap water sample using the step-by-step instructions
- Send it back in the prepaid mailer to our certified lab
- Receive your lab results within a few days
You’ll get a detailed breakdown of any PFAS compounds detected in your water—and if they exceed the EPA’s proposed health advisory limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for certain PFAS compounds.
What To Do If PFAS Are Found in Your Water
If your water test shows elevated PFAS levels, don’t panic—there are actionable steps you can take.
- Install an NSF-certified filter (such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon)
- Use filtered or bottled water for drinking and cooking
- Flush pipes after filter installation to ensure safe water
- Continue monitoring with periodic testing to ensure your filtration system is working
If you’re pregnant, immunocompromised, or managing other health conditions, talk to your doctor about PFAS exposure and how to minimize health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PFAS banned in the U.S.?
No. While some older PFAS like PFOA and PFOS have been phased out, many PFAS chemicals are still in use, and contamination persists.
Can PFAS be removed by boiling water?
No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS—it may even concentrate them. You need a certified filter for PFAS reduction.
What is a safe PFAS level in drinking water?
The EPA has proposed 4 ppt as the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS—this is extremely low, and many water systems exceed it.
How long do PFAS stay in the body?
Some PFAS can remain in the body for years. This is why early detection and exposure reduction are so important.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Health Starts at the Tap
PFAS are everywhere—but you don’t have to leave your health to chance. Testing your water gives you real answers and a path forward.
Whether you’re trying to protect your family, planning for pregnancy, or simply want peace of mind, TestPFAST makes it easy to take control of what’s coming out of your tap.
Know what’s in your water. Act before it impacts your health.
👉 Order your PFAS home testing kit from TestPFAST today