Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of thousands of human-made chemicals. They have been used in industry and consumer products around the world since the 1940s. Long-term exposure to PFAS through products or the environment may lead to harmful health effects.
PFAS are used in products such as:
- Non-stick cookware
- Water-resistant clothing
- Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets
- Some cosmetics
- Certain firefighting foams
- Products that resist grease, water, and oil
When PFAS are made, used, or thrown away, they can enter the soil, water, and air. Most PFAS do not break down, so they stay in the environment for a long time. PFAS have been found in the blood of people and animals around the world.
You can learn how PFAS may affect your health and how to lower your exposure.
- PFAS Brochure
- PFAS Educational Videos
The most well-known and studied types of PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Although these two chemicals are no longer made or used by most industries, they can stay in the environment for a long time.
Many other types of PFAS are still made and used in commercial and industrial products in the United States and around the world.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency PFAS webpage
Most people are exposed to low levels of PFAS from everyday products. The highest risk of exposure comes from drinking water that contains PFAS.
You may be exposed to PFAS in the following ways:
- Drinking water that contains PFAS
- Eating food packaged in materials that contain PFAS
- Using nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, or water-resistant clothing
- Eating fish or wild game from areas with PFAS contamination
- Exposure to contaminated soil or dust
PFAS and the Skin
Research shows that very little PFAS can enter your body through your skin. Bathing or showering in water that contains PFAS is not expected to cause significant exposure. Washing dishes in this water is also not a major risk.
Examples of Products That May Contain PFAS
- Grease-resistant paper, fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers
- Nonstick cookware
- Stain-resistant coatings on carpets, upholstery, and fabrics
- Water-resistant clothing
- Some cleaning products
- Personal care products such as shampoo, dental floss, and certain cosmetics like nail polish or eye makeup
- Paints, varnishes, and sealants
PFAS in the Workplace
Workers who make or use PFAS containing materials have higher exposures than the public.
Industries that may use PFAS include:
- Metal plating
- Electronics manufacturing
- Paper milling
- Oil recovery
Workers can be exposed to PFAS by:
- Breathing in PFAS particles or dust
- Getting PFAS on their skin
- Swallowing PFAS through contact with hands or surfaces
PFAS can build up in the body over time, especially in people who are exposed to them often. Research shows that high levels of certain PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects.
Possible health effects include:
- Higher cholesterol levels
- Changes in liver function
- Reduced immune response to vaccines in children
- Higher risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy
- Lower birth weight in infants
- Higher risk of kidney or testicular cancer
Scientists, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are continuing to study how PFAS affect health.
Current research shows that the benefits of breastfeeding are greater than the potential risks from PFAS in breast milk. If you are breastfeeding and concerned about PFAS exposure, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the risks and benefits based on your situation.
Important Tip for Infant Formula
Do not use tap water that contains high levels of PFAS to prepare infant formula. Use a safer water source, such as bottled water, instead.
Learn More About Breastfeeding and PFAS
PFAS can enter drinking water when they are released from places that make, use, or dispose of PFAS-containing materials. This usually happens near factories, airports, or military bases.
In Idaho, public drinking water systems are not currently required to test for PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) has more information about PFAS in drinking water.
PFAS Health Advisories
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for the PFAS chemicals PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Interim health advisories for PFOA at 0.004 ppt and PFOS at 0.02 ppt have been set and may be updated once the final drinking water regulation is established.
A health advisory:
- Provides guidance to protect people from harmful health effects over a lifetime of exposure
- Is based on the best available science
Idaho currently follows the EPA's health advisory for PFAS.
The EPA is also developing more guidance and research.
Testing for PFAS
To learn more about testing methods or to find a laboratory that uses an EPA-approved method, visit:
Treatment Options
If your drinking water contains PFOA or PFOS above 4 ppt:
- Use an alternate source of water, such as bottled water, for drinking and cooking
- Consider installing a treatment system, such as reverse osmosis, at the tap
Visit NSF.org for a list of filters that are certified to remove PFAS.
Important: Boiling water will not remove PFAS.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and other state and federal partners are working together to better understand PFAS in Idaho.
This work includes:
- Identifying places where PFAS may have been used
- Testing water, air, and soil to see if PFAS levels could affect health
- Sharing information with communities if there is a potential health concern
As more is learned, state and local agencies will keep the public informed and work to protect health.
Because PFAS are found at low levels in some foods, consumer products, and the environment, it is not possible to completely avoid exposure. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk.
Tips to Reduce PFAS Exposure
- Check your drinking water:
If your water has PFAS levels above the EPA health advisory, use a different source for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and preparing food. This could include bottled water or water treated with a certified filter.- If you use a private well, it is your responsibility to test and treat your water.
- For more information, visit the DEQ PFAS in Drinking Water webpage.
- Be cautious when eating fish:
Idaho does not currently have any PFAS-related fish consumption advisories. Follow the Idaho Fish Consumption Advisory to reduce your exposure to contaminants. This guidance will be updated if PFAS are found in specific water bodies or fish. - Check product labels:
Some products may still contain PFAS. These include water-resistant clothing, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and some personal care products. Read labels and avoid items that list PFAS as ingredients. - Use a certified water filter:
Consider using a point-of-use water filter that is certified to reduce PFAS. Learn more about certified filters at NSF.org.