PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment. For decades, they have been used in everyday products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, fast-food packaging, and firefighting foam. Their persistence has turned them into a growing public health concern.

Recent research links PFAS exposure to rare cancers and changes in gene activity, highlighting the hidden dangers in our water, homes, and workplaces. Communities near contamination sources face even greater risks. 

Understanding how PFAS enter our bodies and the steps available to reduce exposure is vital for safeguarding health and holding polluters accountable.

Understanding PFAS and How They Get Into Our Bodies

PFAS are a large group of human-made chemicals designed to resist heat, water, and oil. Their durability made them appealing for everyday products like non-stick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, and fast-food packaging. They’re also a core component of firefighting foams, particularly in industrial and airport settings. The problem is their persistence: PFAS can accumulate in water sources, soil, and even household dust.

Exposure happens in multiple ways. Drinking contaminated water is the most significant route of PFAS exposure. Ingestion of PFAS-packaged food and occupational exposure, such as firefighting, can also introduce these chemicals into the body. 

Once absorbed, PFAS can linger for years, gradually increasing health risks, including:

Rare Cancers

PFAS exposure has been increasingly associated with rare forms of cancer that occur far less frequently in the general population. A 2025 study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found higher rates of these cancers in communities with PFAS-contaminated drinking water.

These included digestive, endocrine, and oral cancers, highlighting the diverse and unexpected ways PFAS can impact the body. 

The study estimates that PFAS in U.S. drinking water contribute to more than 6,800 cancer cases annually. What makes these cancers especially alarming is how rare they are. They are often harder to diagnose early and may have fewer established treatment protocols, compounding the public health risk.

Changes in Gene Activity

Beyond causing rare cancers, PFAS can affect health by altering gene activity through epigenetic changes. Research reported by The Guardian examined firefighters, a group with high PFAS exposure from firefighting foam and gear. Scientists found significant changes in genes linked to leukemia, liver, thyroid, bladder, and breast cancers. 

These gene-level alterations suggest that PFAS don’t just accumulate. They can modify how genes function, potentially triggering disease long after initial exposure. 

These epigenetic effects may also contribute to other conditions, including neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and asthma. They can also increase susceptibility to infections like tuberculosis, illustrating the broad and lasting impact of PFAS on human health.

The Widespread Reach of PFAS Contamination in U.S. Drinking Water

Across the United States, millions of people are at risk of PFAS exposure, with contamination far from uniform. Some areas like industrial zones, military bases, and neighborhoods near chemical plants experience much higher concentrations. 

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute reports that, as of August 2024, PFAS contamination is present in drinking water at 2,067 sites nationwide. This shows the widespread reach of these “forever chemicals” across the country. 

State regulations vary, and enforcement often lags behind the growing body of scientific evidence, leaving many communities vulnerable. Public concern has sparked local monitoring and cleanup initiatives. However, the sheer number of contaminated sites makes remediation a massive, ongoing challenge that requires coordinated government action and sustained advocacy.

What People and Communities Can Do

PFAS contamination may seem overwhelming, but communities have more power than they think. Beyond raising awareness, people can organize neighborhood groups, attend council meetings, demand stricter testing, and, importantly, take legal action. 

The challenge is that lawsuits don’t work the same way everywhere. Some states have established PFAS limits in drinking water, providing residents with a clearer path to file claims if contamination exceeds those standards. But in states such as Arkansas, there are no current or planned PFAS limits, and its courts follow strict fact-pleading rules. 

This means that in Arkansas cities like Little Rock or Fayetteville, your complaint must clearly state specific facts. These facts need to show why you’re entitled to relief. If regulatory limits existed, you could point to them directly in your case.

Without those benchmarks, proving a PFAS-related illness often requires strong expert testimony. This is where working with an experienced Little Rock or Fayetteville personal injury lawyer can make the difference between frustration and justice.

According to Keith Law Group, a lawyer can gather the scientific and medical evidence needed to connect PFAS exposure to your illness. They can also navigate the procedural hurdles to ensure your case is filed correctly and strongly presented in court.

Government Response and Cleanup Efforts

While communities can push for accountability, government action is also crucial. In April 2024, the EPA finalized the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS chemicals. This move is expected to protect 100 million people, prevent tens of thousands of illnesses, and save lives.

This effort is supported by record federal investments. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicates $9 billion specifically to PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water. 

It also provides another $12 billion to strengthen overall water infrastructure and treatment efforts. Guided by the Justice40 Initiative, 40% of these benefits are directed to disadvantaged communities.

On the ground, cleanup includes replacing water supplies, installing filtration systems, and decontaminating soils. Still, the persistence of PFAS means progress is slow, making prevention just as vital as remediation.

FAQs

Can home water filtration remove PFAS effectively?

Some filters, like activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems, can reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. Standard filters often fail. Homeowners should check certified filters and maintain them regularly. Even so, filtration does not eliminate all risks, emphasizing the need for broader community and regulatory action.

How long do PFAS remain in the human body?

PFAS are highly persistent in the body, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Some compounds have half-lives of several years, accumulating in the blood, liver, and kidneys. Continuous exposure, even at low levels, can increase health risks over time, particularly for rare cancers and genetic changes.

Can PFAS exposure affect pets?

Yes. Pets can be exposed through contaminated water, food, or household dust. Studies suggest PFAS can accumulate in animals, leading to potential health effects such as immune system disruption. They may also increase cancer risk, mirroring concerns seen in humans living in contaminated areas.

Overall, PFAS contamination is a silent crisis, affecting water, homes, and human genes. From the rare cancers to the gene activity changes, the evidence shows that exposure has serious, long-term consequences. Communities like those near the Fayetteville Works plant illustrate how water and dust contamination can intersect, creating multiple exposure pathways. 

While government agencies, legal advocates, and concerned citizens push for change, the most effective defense is awareness. Understanding PFAS, monitoring local water, and seeking legal counsel if illness occurs are essential steps in combating this invisible threat.

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