Study finds PFAS contamination in the blood of adults and children near Pennsylvania military bases and a South Jersey chemical plant.

A comprehensive national study revealed that 99% of participants residing near drinking water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) demonstrated detectable levels of these chemicals in their bloodstream. This extensive research, which involved thousands of individuals across eight states, underscores growing concerns about the pervasive impact of these “forever chemicals” on public health.

Research conducted in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania, highlighted that many residents who utilized private wells were consuming water containing PFAS concentrations significantly exceeding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards. Specifically, these contaminants were found at levels thousands of times higher than the permissible limits. Nearly all participants exhibited detectable concentrations of at least five PFAS compounds, revealing an alarming extent of exposure among those living in proximity to military bases where such chemicals were historically used.

The study, published in the August edition of Environmental International, included blood samples from 5,286 adults and 710 children between 2019 and 2023. Notably, approximately 30% of those tested in the affected counties exhibited concentrations that reach a threshold prompting medical testing, a recommendation from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Furthermore, the research examined residents near industrial areas in Gloucester County, demonstrating that PFAS exposure is not only localized but also widespread.

Despite the findings, the study did not identify specific health outcomes associated with PFAS exposure, as the analysis focused primarily on demographic data and blood concentration levels of the contaminants. The research project, conducted under the auspices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), represents one of the most extensive efforts to examine the health implications of PFAS exposure linked to drinking water. Preliminary health data is anticipated to be shared in a virtual meeting scheduled for later this month.

Prior studies have established a connection between PFAS and various health issues, including elevated cholesterol levels, pregnancy-related complications, liver problems, and increased susceptibility to certain cancers. The presence of PFAS compounds often stems from their historical use in products like waterproof clothing, nonstick cookware, and firefighting foams.

In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the extent of contamination has raised serious public health concerns. The Pennsylvania portion of the study indicated that a significant number of adults and children tested positive for multiple PFAS compounds, with concentrations indicating the need for medical evaluation. In New Jersey, the contamination was linked to industrial activities, resulting in regulatory action against major chemical manufacturers.

As awareness of PFAS-related health risks continues to grow, researchers stress the importance of further studies to better understand the long-term implications of exposure and to inform strategies to mitigate risk. The broader discourse surrounding PFAS contamination highlights a critical public health challenge that demands immediate attention and action.