What are PFAS? Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in various manufacturing processes and consumer products. You may have heard them referred to as “forever chemicals,” because of their persistence in the environment.

The EPA has identified more than 9,000 individual chemicals in the PFAS class. Among the major manufacturers of these chemicals are the companies who invented them back in the 1930s and 1940s: DuPont and 3M. Some of the earliest applications of PFAS included Teflon™ (Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PFTE), and a type of fire-fighting foam called AFFF. Chemists discovered that PFAS were ideally suited for water- and oil-proof coatings and incorporated them into products as diverse as non-stick pans, raincoats, cosmetics, fast-food packaging, and even dental floss.

Because PFAS do not break down in the environment, they are virtually everywhere. Studies have discovered PFAS in polar bears, rainwater, and breast milk. One CDC report indicates PFAS are in the blood of 97% of Americans. Evidence suggests that PFAS bioaccumulate in aquatic life, with certain chemicals present at increasing concentrations as they move up the food chain, and into larger fish. This means that people who regularly catch and eat their own fish have a higher rate of exposure to PFAS.

Why are they dangerous? Because PFAS chemicals do not biodegrade and are difficult to break down, they essentially exist forever as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Once in the environment, they can find their way into plants, animals, soil, and water. Some lightweight PFAS can even become airborne.

PFAS exposure has been linked to health risks including numerous cancers in the endocrine and reproductive systems. Exposure to these chemicals can affect growth, learning, and behavior in infants and children and weaken the immune system during a critical period of development.

Perhaps more frightening, because of the incredible number of different PFAS chemicals and lack of studies on the long-term effects of exposure, current data may underestimate the risks PFAS pose to human health. EPA’s current health advisories are set at such low levels (in the parts per quadrillion), that a single swimming pool full of PFOS could contaminate drinking water supplies for the entire United States. 

What is Waterkeeper doing? Missouri Confluence Waterkeeper is currently testing surface and drinking water for PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern in St. Louis City and County and throughout the state of Missouri. As part of a coordinated nationwide effort led by Waterkeeper Alliance, we also performed surface-water testing of Coldwater Creek and found some of the highest concentrations of total PFAS of all 113 Waterkeeper organizations who participated. We’re also making PFAS test kits available to our members so that you can test your own drinking water or favorite fishing or paddling spot. When you do this, you’re also helping us gather information about the prevalence of PFAS in Missouri and guide our monitoring and advocacy efforts.
Click here or follow the link towards the end of this page to order.

As your Waterkeeper, we are taking every opportunity to engage with federal, state, and local officials who can help address this crisis. We have commented on many of the proposed regulations and encouraged both state and federal agencies to act swiftly on comprehensive PFAS rules. And we are actively engaging as a member of the PFAS Stakeholder Workgroup organized by Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop policies and tools to address PFAS contamination and risks.

What can you do? Reach out to your elected officials and ask them to support legislation to address PFAS contamination, like the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act 2.0 through the link here. Encourage DNR to fund more water testing. Order your own test kits to help fill in data gaps. Let us know if you have specific concerns about PFAS contamination in your community.

And definitely become a member so we can continue to advocate for fishable, swimmable and drinkable water! 💧

Want more info? Check our our PFAS Resources Page for the latest articles, research, and other links. Follow us on social media @MOwaterkeeper and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.