PFAS in Drinking Water
What are PFAS
PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products. There are thousands of types of PFAS. The most common type are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid).
While PFOA and PFOS have been phased out from their use in commercial products, they are still found in the environment from historical uses and in some firefighting foams. In addition, products are often made with other PFAS as replacements for PFOA and PFOS.
These PFAS can be found in everyday products, such as:
- Cleaning products.
- Water-resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas and tents.
- Grease-resistant paper.
- Nonstick cookware.
- Personal care products, like shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup.
- Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.
PFAS do not break down in the environment and have been discovered at concentrations of concern in groundwater, surface water and drinking water. These chemicals are known to accumulate in the human body, posing risk to human health.
Exposure to PFAS
These contaminants have made their way into the environment through accidental spills of PFAS-containing materials, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting foams.
The main ways people can be exposed to PFAS include:
- Drinking contaminated municipal or private well water.
- Eating fish with high levels of PFAS.
- Eating food grown or raised near places that used or made PFAS.
- Eating food packaged in material made with PFAS.
- Swallowing contaminated soil or dust.
- Using some consumer products, such as ski wax, nonstick cookware, and stain and water repellant sprays for fabrics.
PFAS Health Concerns
Scientists conduct research in both humans and animals to see how PFAS affect us. Research is ongoing, but suggests that high levels of some PFAS may:
- Increase cholesterol levels.
- Decrease how well the body responds to vaccines.
- Increase infertility and low birth weight.
- Increase risk for developmental delays.
- Increase risk for thyroid and heart issues.
- Increase risk for certain cancers.
How to Protect Yourself & Family from PFAS
Because PFAS are so common in our environment, there’s no easy way to completely avoid them. Here is guidance on how to limit contact with them.
- See if PFAS are in your drinking water. If you do not live near a site of environmental contamination, it is unlikely that PFAS are a problem in your drinking water. To find out whether you live near a PFAS site, view this map.
- Public Water Supply Users - connect with your local water utility to access water reports and learn what they are doing to minimize PFAS, if they have been detected.
- Private Well Owners - The only way to know whether PFAS are in your drinking water is to have it tested by a certified water laboratory. This could cost several hundred dollars. You can use to WI Department of Health Service's online PFAS Assessment Tool to help interpret your drinking water results.
- Use drinking water with PFAS levels below DHS recommended groundwater standards. View the WI DHS Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water Factsheet to learn about filters and treatment systems.
- Use water with safe PFAS levels to water fruits and vegetables. View WI DHS PFAS and Backyard Gardening Fact Sheet to learn more.
- Follow Wisconsin's advice on consuming fish. View WI DNR's Eating Your Catch - Making Healthy Choices Guide to learn about fish consumption advisories.
- Follow healthy swimming guidelines. Avoid swallowing water, shower after swimming and wash hands before preparing food.
- Vacuum your home regularly. Soil that has PFAS can come into your home from outside and dust can also have PFAS from common household products.
- Limit contact with products that contain PFAS.
More information can be found on the WI DHS website and the WI DNR website.
Resources
Sources: Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Last Update: 9/6/2023
