PFAS Health Concerns
PFAS build up in the body over time. They stay in your system for years because your body absorbs them faster than it can remove them. This slow buildup increases total exposure even at low levels. PFAS have no taste, smell, or color, so testing is the only way to know if they’re present.
Known Health Risks
- Increased cancer risk
- Higher cholesterol
- Immune system suppression
- Developmental concerns in children
- Liver and kidney stress
- Hormonal changes
- Thyroid issues
PFAS affect major organs and systems. They bind to proteins in the blood and move through the body. Long-term exposure adds up and increases the chance of health effects.
How PFAS Enter the Body
- Drinking water
- Cooking water
- Showers and baths
- Food packaging
- Household dust
Water is the main source because PFAS dissolve easily and pass through many standard filters. Even low levels contribute to long-term buildup.
PFAS Exposure in New Jersey
New Jersey has more PFAS detections than many states. Public systems test on state schedules, but private wells are not regulated. Many homes in Bergen, Passaic, and Morris counties test positive due to groundwater movement and older industrial footprints.
How PFAS Affect Different Age Groups
- Infants and children: higher sensitivity and greater water intake per body weight
- Pregnant women: PFAS may affect pregnancy outcomes
- Adults: long-term ingestion influences cholesterol and immune system
- Seniors: slower kidney filtration increases retention
How PFAS Enter Drinking Water
PFAS reach homes through groundwater, public water sources, runoff near industrial sites, and former firefighting foam training areas. Both public systems and private wells may show detectable PFAS.
Why PFAS Exposure Builds Slowly
PFAS remain in your system for years. Daily water use adds small amounts over time. Most homeowners don’t notice anything until they test their water.
How to Reduce PFAS Exposure
- Install PFAS-rated filtration
- Replace filters on time
- Test regularly if levels were high
- Follow NJDEP notices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PFAS cause cancer?
Research shows an association between long-term PFAS ingestion and certain cancers.
The strongest data today connects PFAS exposure with kidney and testicular cancer, based on large population studies.
The risk depends on how much PFAS you ingest and for how long, which is why New Jersey set strict limits and requires testing.
Reducing PFAS in drinking water lowers long-term exposure, which is the goal of filtration and POET systems.
Do PFAS affect the immune system?
Yes. Studies show PFAS can influence how the immune system responds over time.
Some research found changes in how well the body responds to vaccines and certain infections.
The concern comes from long-term ingestion, which slowly increases PFAS levels in the body because they do not break down easily.
Lowering exposure through filtration helps limit this effect.
Are children more sensitive?
Yes. Children may be more sensitive for two main reasons:
- They drink more water per pound of body weight, so their intake is higher compared to adults.
- Their bodies are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to contaminants in general.Because of this, many families choose to filter their drinking water even when PFAS levels are below state limits.
Do PFAS affect cholesterol?
Yes, several studies link PFAS ingestion to increased cholesterol levels.
The effect is gradual and happens over long exposure periods.
It’s one of the most consistent findings in PFAS research and is one reason states like New Jersey enforce strict PFAS limits in drinking water.
Can PFAS be absorbed through the skin?
Only small amounts may be absorbed during showers or baths.
The main source of PFAS exposure is still ingestion, not skin contact.
But whole-home systems are recommended because they treat all water entering the house, which limits exposure during bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
If my town issued a PFAS notice, am I at risk?
A PFAS notice means the town detected levels above the state limit in at least one part of the water system.
It does not guarantee every home has the same level, but it does mean you may have been ingesting PFAS over time depending on your water source.
Testing your home is the only way to know your exact level, especially if:
- You use a private well
- Your neighborhood has multiple wells
- Your plumbing setup differs from nearby homes
Filtration reduces PFAS going forward and helps limit long-term ingestion.