FAQ
common Questions
Explore Common Questions
Are PFAS Regulated in My State?
PFAS regulations differ significantly across the United States. While the EPA establishes national drinking water requirements, many states enforce their own limits or publish additional health advisory levels.
New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, and California have adopted strict Maximum Contaminant Levels for common PFAS compounds such as PFOA and PFOS. Other states, including Wisconsin, Colorado, and Vermont, have introduced monitoring programs and guidance values as federal requirements continue to evolve.
Residents can review current PFAS rules through their state environmental agency or the EPA’s PFAS resources. In addition to PFAS screening, lead testing laboratories serving Manhattan clients can identify lead and other contaminants that may affect household drinking water.
Can Filters Remove PFAS?
Certain filtration technologies can significantly reduce PFAS in drinking water, but their effectiveness varies. The most reliable options include:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): Captures long-chain PFAS compounds such as PFOA and PFOS and is commonly used in municipal and household filtration systems.
Ion Exchange (IX): Uses specialized resin beads to attract and trap both long-chain and short-chain PFAS compounds.
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Pushes water through a semipermeable membrane to remove most PFAS, although it can be more expensive and generate wastewater.
Standard pitcher filters and faucet-mounted carbon systems may provide limited PFAS reduction but are not always certified for complete removal. Look for an appropriately certified filtration system and follow its maintenance schedule carefully. Microplastics testing for drinking water in the Bronx can also help identify additional contaminants and provide a clearer understanding of your water quality.
How Does PFAS Affect Human Health?
Scientific studies link PFAS exposure to a range of potential health effects. Because these chemicals accumulate in the body over time, even low-level, long-term exposure can be concerning.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) suggests associations between PFAS exposure and:
Liver and kidney damage
Thyroid hormone disruption
Elevated cholesterol levels
Immune system suppression
Reproductive and developmental issues
Certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer
Health effects depend on the type and concentration of PFAS, as well as the duration of exposure. Sensitive populations, such as pregnant women, infants, and individuals with chronic illnesses, may face greater risks. Ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of PFAS toxicity, but the scientific consensus is clear: reducing exposure is critical for long-term health.
How Long Does PFAS Stay in the Body?
PFAS are unusually persistent in the human body. Unlike many chemicals that break down or are excreted quickly, PFAS remain for years. Studies show that the biological half-life of common compounds such as PFOA and PFOS can range from 2 to 9 years, depending on the individual and the level of exposure.
These chemicals bind to blood proteins, circulate through organs, and are slowly eliminated through urine and other bodily fluids. Because the rate of removal is so slow, regular exposure through drinking water or food leads to gradual accumulation.
Reducing exposure, by using filtered water, avoiding PFAS-containing products, and supporting cleanup efforts, can help lower body burden over time. However, once PFAS have accumulated, it can take several years for levels to decline naturally.
Join the nationwide effort to uncover PFAS contamination. Explore our testing guides, review local data, and learn how you can help protect your community’s water supply.