What Level of PFAS is Actually Safe?
- Dr. Judy Magalhaes
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The answer isn’t as straightforward as we’d like.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals,” are a large, complex group of man-made chemicals that have been around since the 1950s. PFAS are used in a wide range of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, firefighting foam, and industrial applications.
They’re called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, meaning exposure can accumulate over time.
Are PFAS Harmful to Human Health?
According to current scientific research, exposure to certain PFAS is associated with adverse health outcomes. While research is ongoing, peer-reviewed studies have linked PFAS exposure to the following;
Potential Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
Reproductive effects (decreased fertility, increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Developmental delays in children (low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, behavioral changes)
Increased cancer risk, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers
Immune system suppression, including reduced vaccine response
Hormonal disruption
Elevated cholesterol levels
Increased risk of obesity
Scientists are still working to understand the long-term effects of low-level PFAS exposure, especially when exposure occurs over many years or during early development.
EPA Standards
In March 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) for two of the most studied PFAS:
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate)
This was a major shift, signaling stronger recognition of PFAS-related health risks.
However, context matters.
How Do U.S. PFAS Limits Compare Globally?
Even with these updated standards, experts point out that U.S. limits are still far less strict than those in other countries, in some cases, up to 140 times higher.
That raises important questions:
If other countries consider much lower levels unsafe, what does “safe” really mean?
Are current standards fully protective, especially for children and vulnerable populations?
PFAS in Water
Clean water is a cornerstone of wellness. Understanding what’s in your water is essential for making informed decisions and taking steps to reduce toxic burden in your home.
One common assumption though is that drinking water is the primary source of PFAS exposure. In reality, research suggests that drinking water accounts for less than 20% of PFAS exposure for most Americans.
PFAS exposure can occur:
Through food packaging and processed foods
From household products
Via occupational exposure
During different stages of life, including prenatal development and childhood
This means even people with “acceptable” water levels may still carry a significant PFAS burden.
Why “Safe Levels” Are Still Being Studied
One of the biggest challenges with PFAS is that there are thousands of different PFAS compounds. This means people are exposed to mixtures, not simply single compounds.
Effects may vary based on dose, duration, age, and individual health. Scientists at the EPA, other federal agencies, universities, and independent research institutions continue to study PFAS, particularly how chronic, low-dose exposure impacts health over time.
The more informed we are, the better we can advocate for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
You can’t control your water source but you can control what you drink every day.
Check out your tap water at: EWG.org Tapwater Database
