Learn about Forever Chemicals (PFAS)

Topic 01

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of thousands of man-made chemicals built around one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry: carbon–fluorine. That bond makes PFAS remarkably resistant to heat, water, oil, and degradation — which is exactly why industry has used them since the 1940s in non-stick coatings, water-repellent fabrics, firefighting foams, and countless industrial processes.

The same durability that makes PFAS useful also makes them persistent. They break down extremely slowly, if at all, earning the nickname "forever chemicals." Over decades of widespread use they have accumulated in water, soil, wildlife — and people. CDC biomonitoring has found PFAS in the blood of about 97% of Americans.

Not all PFAS are alike. "Long-chain" legacy compounds like PFOA and PFOS were largely phased out of U.S. manufacturing but remain in the environment and in people because they leave the body slowly, with half-lives measured in years. Newer replacement compounds are still being studied.

Topic 02

Sources of exposure

For most people, exposure comes from a mix of everyday sources rather than one dramatic event:

• Drinking water — the dominant source in affected communities; contamination has been documented near industrial sites, airfields, and military bases, but also in ordinary municipal systems and private wells.
• Food and packaging — grease-resistant wrappers and containers, microwave popcorn bags, and foods grown or raised in contaminated areas, including some fish.
• Cookware and kitchen goods — older or damaged non-stick coatings.
• Home and textiles — stain-resistant carpets and furniture, water-repellent clothing, and household dust.
• Personal care products — some cosmetics, dental floss, and lotions.

Because sources are diffuse, blood testing is the most direct way to know how much has actually accumulated in you.

Topic 03

Health concerns

PFAS are among the most studied environmental chemicals in the world. Large epidemiological studies and reviews — including the National Academies of Sciences (NASEM) 2022 consensus report — have associated higher PFAS exposure with:

• Elevated cholesterol and changes in liver enzymes
• Reduced antibody response to vaccines, especially in children
• Thyroid hormone disruption
• Pregnancy-related hypertension and modestly lower birth weights
• Kidney and testicular cancers (for certain legacy compounds)

Association is not the same as diagnosis — an individual result cannot tell you whether PFAS caused a specific condition. But NASEM recommends that clinicians offer PFAS blood testing to patients likely to have elevated exposure, and use the results to guide follow-up care. Knowing your level is the evidence-based starting point.

Topic 04

How to reduce exposure

You can't eliminate PFAS exposure entirely, but targeted changes measurably lower intake — and because your body clears PFAS slowly over years, lowering intake lowers your levels over time:

• Filter your water. Certified activated-carbon or reverse-osmosis filters can substantially reduce PFAS in drinking and cooking water.
• Rethink the kitchen. Replace worn non-stick pans; favor stainless steel or cast iron; store food in glass.
• Watch packaging. Limit greasy fast-food packaging and microwave popcorn bags.
• Choose PFAS-free products. Look for labels on cookware, textiles, and cosmetics; skip optional stain-resistant treatments.
• Control dust. Vacuum with a HEPA filter and damp-dust regularly, especially with young children at home.

Your Status Health action plan ranks steps like these by likely impact on your results, so you can start where it matters most.

Topic 05

Testing & results

PFAS blood testing measures the concentration of individual compounds in your blood, reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Because PFAS bind to proteins in blood, serum levels are a reliable indicator of your accumulated body burden.

A useful test does three things:

• Quantifies each compound — not just a yes/no answer, but how much of which PFAS.
• Adds context — comparing your levels to national population data so you know whether you're typical, elevated, or low.
• Tracks change — repeat testing shows whether the changes you make are actually working.

Status Health analyzes 40+ PFAS compounds at a CLIA-certified lab using mass spectrometry, then translates the chemistry into a score, benchmarks, and a plan in your personal dashboard.