Nevada Interim Treatment for PFAS and Manganese

Protecting Public Health One Filter at a Time

PFAS Explained

Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment is linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. Because of their widespread use and persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world. There are thousands of different PFAS, some of which have been more widely used and studied than others.

Read on to learn where PFAS are coming from, and how EPA is taking action on PFAS.

Are PFAS Safe?

Research is ongoing to determine how exposure to different PFAS can lead to a variety of health effects. Studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:

  • Cancer Effects: Increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
  • Weight Effects: Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.
  • Immune Effects: Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections.
  • Developmental Effects: Low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
  • Reproductive Effects: Decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.

The more we learn about PFAS chemicals, the more we learn that certain PFAS can cause health risks even at very low levels. Reducing PFAS in water, soil, and air can have a meaningful impact on health.

EPA is taking action to reduce PFAS in water and the environment.

Where Are PFAS Found?

Most people in the United States have been exposed to some PFAS. People can be exposed to PFAS by touching, drinking, eating, or breathing in materials containing PFAS. PFAS may be present in:

  • Drinking Water: Water contaminated by PFAS sources.
  • Waste Sites: Soil and water near landfills or disposal areas.
  • Fire Extinguishing Foam: Used in training and emergency events.
  • Facilities: Chrome plating, electronics, and certain textile or paper manufacturers.
  • Consumer Products: Non-stick cookware, paints, sealants, and personal care products.
  • Food Packaging: Grease-resistant paper, popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers.
  • Biosolids: Fertilizer from wastewater treatment plants.
  • Food: Fish or dairy from livestock exposed to PFAS-contaminated sources.

Very little PFAS in water can enter your body through skin, so showering or washing dishes in water containing PFAS is unlikely to significantly increase risk.

EPA Is Taking Action to Address PFAS

In October 2021, EPA released its PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which outlines actions to protect people and the environment from PFAS contamination. The roadmap is guided by three goals:

  • Research: Invest in research, development, and innovation.
  • Restrict: Prevent PFAS from entering air, land, and water.
  • Remediate: Broaden and accelerate the cleanup of PFAS contamination.

Helpful Links

PFAS in Nevada
Drinking Water
Source Water Protection

Since the Roadmap’s release, EPA has:

  • Distributed $10 billion in funding to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  • Finalized legally enforceable standards for six PFAS substances in drinking water.
  • Designated two PFAS as CERCLA hazardous substances.
  • Finalized rules to enhance data on PFAS uses and releases.

Learn more at epa.gov/pfas.

Concerned about PFAS in your drinking water?

  1. Contact your drinking water utility: Ask if they monitor for PFAS and what actions are being taken.
  2. Use certified in-home water treatment: Filters certified to reduce PFAS can help lower exposure.
  3. If you use a private well: Conduct regular testing and use filters if PFAS are detected.
Learn more