New study of PFAS forever chemicals highlights need to reduce contamination in drinking water

Why this matters:

• This study is the first to assess PFAS exposure in a community affected by contamination from a paper mill landfill, an often-overlooked source. Elevated levels of PFAS were found in both drinking water and residents’ blood, with higher levels in those who consumed more contaminated municipal water.
• Long-term exposure to PFAS-contaminated drinking water was identified as a primary predictor of elevated serum levels, consistent with previous studies in other communities affected by PFAS contamination from different sources.
• Even three years after switching to clean water, PFAS levels in blood remained elevated, demonstrating the long-lasting presence of these chemicals in the human body.
• These findings underscore the importance of identifying and monitoring lesser-known sources of PFAS contamination. The data provided by this study are crucial for supporting future efforts to reduce exposure, evaluate health risks and guide intervention strategies.

A new study involving researchers from Michigan State University has revealed concerning findings on the long-term impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance, or PFAS, exposure in communities affected by industrial contamination in drinking water sourced near an abandoned paper mill landfill.

The study, “Elevated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in tap water and serum in a community near an abandoned paper mill,” is the first biomonitoring study to assess PFAS exposure from contamination linked to a paper mill landfill. It highlights a potentially overlooked source of PFAS contamination and provides useful insights into the persistence of these harmful chemicals in the environment and the human body.

PFAS, widely used for their water- and fire-resistant properties, are manufactured chemicals in many consumer products, including specialty clothing and carpets, nonstick cookware, electronics and food packaging. Many of these chemicals are highly mobile, allowing them to easily migrate through soil, air, plants, surface and groundwater. They break down very slowly and build up in humans, animals and the environment over time, posing severe risks to human and environmental health.

Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, have been detected in the blood of most Americans, with the highest levels among people who are occupationally exposed and those who have contaminated drinking water.

Courtney Carignan, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and lead for the Michigan study cohort, emphasized the urgency of addressing PFAS exposure in drinking water.

“We hope this work raises awareness about potential sources and pathways of PFAS in drinking water, which can be an important source of exposure,” said Carignan. “I think we can feel good as Michiganders that our state has tested all public drinking water supplies, but most states have done less testing, and people with private wells have to do their own.”

The study focused on a city in southwest Michigan, where the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team first identified contamination in drinking water in 2018. Michigan’s proactive stance has positioned it among the few states in the U.S. to set maximum contaminant levels for PFAS, with the U.S. EPA following suit with national standards.

The study found elevated PFOA, PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, or PFHxS, in residents’ drinking water and blood in a community affected by contamination from a nearby paper mill landfill. The mill, which operated from 1909 to 2000, had disposed of waste containing PFAS in a landfill, causing elevated contamination in the surrounding groundwater.

Participants who had consumed the contaminated water were divided into two groups: those exposed to the more highly contaminated municipal water and those with lower levels in their private wells. Blood and water samples were collected to measure PFAS levels and assess long-term exposure.

The water source was found to be the strongest predictor of PFAS levels in blood, which increased for every additional year of drinking the water. Additionally, women in the low-exposure group had lower PFOS and PFHxS levels than men, likely attributable to biological factors such as menstruation, childbirth and breastfeeding.

Chris Higgins, an environmental chemist at the Colorado School of Mines and the project’s principal investigator, emphasized that the study focused on an often-overlooked community. He noted that most PFAS exposure studies have focused on communities near fluorochemical manufacturers or military sites that used aqueous film-forming foam.

“This study helps fill an important gap in our understanding of how the use of PFASs by other industries is impacting nearby communities,” said Higgins.

Looking forward

The findings provide a baseline for assessing the toxicological effects of PFAS and evaluating the effectiveness of intervention strategies. The study’s authors, including Heather Stapleton, the Ronie-Richele Garcia-Johnson Distinguished Professor in the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University and co-author of the study, emphasize that ongoing biomonitoring and further research are needed to track the long-term effects of PFAS exposure, quantify potential health risks and develop strategies for effective interventions.

“This research highlights how vulnerable our drinking water systems can be to contamination from old paper mills or landfills,” Stapleton said. “Likely, this city is not alone. Other cities or regions could be just as vulnerable. This work underscores the importance of routine monitoring for contaminants in our drinking water.”

This work was supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priorities Program.

Learn More and Take Action

Sources of PFAS: Check this map of presumptive PFAS contamination and recent paper to understand more about possible sources of PFAS in your community. This figure shows the many ways we come into contact with PFAS.

Workplace: Check whether your job involves products that contain PFAS and take steps to limit exposure. This can be done by assuring use of PFAS free products, use of PPE, ventilation, etc. Check out this Slick New Guide to Avoiding PFAS in Products and this useful resource for the fire service.

Drinking Water: Private well owners are responsible for their own testing and some public drinking water systems have been tested for PFAS.

•       To check if your water has been tested see guidance from the U.S. EPA along with maps and resources from the PFAS Exchange. Some states like Michigan have tested all public water systems and provide results in an interactive map.
•       Compare detection limits and any reported levels to maximum contaminant levels from the U.S. EPA and your state.
•       If needed, filter your drinking water with an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filtration system.

Food:

•       Most paper food packaging should no longer contain PFAS. However, it is precautious to avoid microwave popcorn until the replacement is disclosed and known to be safe.
•       Fish and wildlife can accumulate PFAS in their meat from the environment (water, feed). Some states, like Michigan, have been testing. Some states have consumption advisories (see Figure 1) and national results based on data from EPA can be viewed on an interactive map.  
•       Livestock and crops can also accumulate PFAS from water, soil and feed. Maine and some other states have been testing and taking action on PFAS in agriculture. While most foods do not have elevated PFAS it is important to assure food safety and support for farmers.

Products: Some types of PFAS have been phased out of use but replaced with other types of PFAS. Scientists have recommended not using PFAS in products where they are not essential or where safer alternatives exist. In the meantime, consumers can take precautions such as:

•       Avoid stain- and waterproofing sprays on upholstery and fabrics. Check out this Slick New Guide to Avoiding PFAS in Products.
•       Avoid products with the ingredient PTFE or other “fluoro” ingredients listed on the label.
•       Choose cookware made of cast iron, stainless steel, glass, or enamel as non-stick cookware, also known as Teflon, is made with PTFE. 
•       Choose nylon or silk dental floss that is uncoated or coated in natural wax, as gliding floss is made with PTFE.

Clinicians: Learn about PFAS by reviewing this guidance from the National Academies, clinician resources on the PFAS Exchange, the PFAS Toolkit from ANHE, and taking this free CME.

Local Action:

•       Ask your state legislators to set up a program to help private well owners test for PFAS. This is especially important to prevent exposure for pregnant women, infants and children.
•       Join or start a local group that works to protect water quality.
•       Ask your elected officials to support policies for addressing PFAS and strengthen the chemical regulatory process.

For generations, Spartans have been changing the world through research. Federal funding helps power many of the discoveries that improve lives and keep America at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness. From lifesaving cancer treatments to solutions that advance technology, agriculture, energy and more, MSU researchers work every day to shape a better future for the people of Michigan and beyond. Learn more about MSU’s research impact powered by partnership with the federal government.