Forever Chemicals in Tap Water Linked to Cancer: What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

In recent years, the term “forever chemicals” has gained significant attention, particularly in relation to the safety of tap water and its potential links to various health issues, including cancer. These chemicals, known as PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), have been widely used in consumer goods and manufacturing processes due to their water- and stain-resistant properties. While they serve beneficial purposes in products such as non-stick cookware, fire extinguishing foam, food packaging, and textiles, they also pose significant health risks when they infiltrate water supplies.

PFAS chemicals are called “forever chemicals” because of their extremely durable nature. These substances do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body, making them a persistent threat. The growing concern over their presence in tap water is now compounded by new research linking PFAS exposure to a higher incidence of various types of cancer. Understanding the risks associated with PFAS, recognizing the cancers they may contribute to, and knowing how to lower exposure can be crucial steps in protecting your health.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a wide variety of industrial and consumer products. Their primary appeal lies in their ability to resist heat, water, and oil, making them ideal for applications such as:

• Firefighting foam
• Water- and stain-resistant fabrics (e.g., upholstery, carpets, and clothing)
• Non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon)
• Food packaging materials (e.g., fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags)
• Cosmetics and shampoos

While these properties make PFAS substances highly functional in daily life, they also make them problematic from an environmental and health standpoint. The chemicals’ strong fluorine-carbon bonds allow them to persist in both the environment and the human body for long periods, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Due to their durability, they have been found in water supplies, wildlife, and even the blood of humans and animals around the globe.

The Link Between PFAS and Cancer

Recent studies have brought to light the alarming connection between PFAS contamination in drinking water and increased cancer risks. A study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology examined county-level water contamination and cancer data and found a significant association between high PFAS levels and the incidence of certain types of cancer. Researchers found that people living in areas with higher PFAS contamination in their drinking water had a 33% increased risk of developing various cancers, including rare and difficult-to-diagnose forms.

The cancers linked to PFAS exposure include:

• Oral cavity and pharynx cancer
• Brain cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Endocrine-related cancers
• Digestive system cancers
• Respiratory system cancers

Certain groups appear to be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of PFAS. Males showed higher incidence rates of urinary system cancers, brain cancers, and soft tissue cancers, while females had increased rates of thyroid cancer and oral cavity/pharynx cancers. The findings suggest that the biological mechanisms of PFAS may differ between sexes, influencing how these chemicals impact health.

The Widespread Nature of PFAS Contamination

Research has estimated that nearly 45% of drinking water supplies in the United States contain detectable levels of PFAS. These chemicals are found in water sources across the country, including both public and private water systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been slow to regulate these substances, but in recent years, the agency has begun to take steps to address the issue. By 2029, the EPA plans to establish enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six specific PFAS in drinking water.

Despite these impending regulations, the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment makes it challenging for individuals to avoid exposure entirely. In the absence of sufficient regulatory measures, research into how PFAS interact with the human body and contribute to cancer remains crucial.

How Do PFAS Affect the Human Body?

PFAS chemicals enter the human body primarily through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Once inside, they accumulate over time, leading to potentially harmful effects. Because PFAS are persistent and bioaccumulate, they remain in the body for long periods — sometimes even for years. As they accumulate, they can disrupt several bodily systems, particularly the endocrine system.

Endocrine disruption occurs when PFAS chemicals interfere with the body’s hormone regulation. This disruption can result in a variety of adverse health effects, including:

• Liver and kidney damage
• Reproductive system harm
• Increased risk of obesity
• Altered cholesterol levels
• Immune system dysfunction
• Developmental delays in children

Beyond cancer, these chemicals have been shown to harm reproductive health, impair immune function, and contribute to conditions like obesity and high cholesterol.

How to Limit PFAS Exposure

Given the widespread presence of PFAS, it can be difficult to completely eliminate exposure. However, individuals can take several proactive steps to reduce their risk of harmful health effects, particularly when it comes to water contamination and consumer products.

1. Check Local Water Reports

Start by checking your local water quality report to see if PFAS is being monitored in your area. Many public water systems are required to conduct regular testing for a variety of contaminants, including PFAS, and you can request these reports from your water utility. If PFAS levels are found to exceed recommended limits, it may be a good idea to take further precautions.

2. Install a Water Filtration System

One of the most effective ways to remove PFAS from drinking water is through the installation of a high-quality water filtration system. Look for filters that are specifically designed to target PFAS, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems. These systems can significantly reduce PFAS concentrations in tap water, providing cleaner and safer drinking water.

3. Avoid PFAS-Containing Products

Another step in reducing exposure to PFAS is limiting your use of products that are known to contain these chemicals. Non-stick cookware, stain-resistant furniture, and certain cosmetics may contain PFAS. Additionally, avoid fast food packaging, which often contains PFAS to make the packaging resistant to grease and moisture.

4. Support Policy Changes

Because PFAS contamination is so widespread and difficult to avoid at the individual level, larger systemic changes are necessary to protect public health. Advocate for stronger regulations that limit the use of PFAS in manufacturing and consumer goods, as well as stricter water quality standards. Efforts to reduce the use of these chemicals in products and to clean up contaminated water supplies should be a priority for lawmakers and regulatory bodies.

The growing body of evidence linking PFAS contamination in tap water to increased cancer rates is a concerning development for public health. Though researchers caution that more studies are needed to establish a direct causal link, the associations found between PFAS and cancers such as oral cavity, brain, thyroid, and endocrine cancers are troubling. Given the prevalence of PFAS in drinking water — affecting approximately 45% of U.S. water supplies — it is crucial that individuals take steps to reduce their exposure to these chemicals.

By staying informed about local water quality, installing water filtration systems, and avoiding PFAS-containing products, individuals can lower their risk of harm. However, it is equally important to push for systemic changes and stronger regulations to address this issue on a broader scale. Until such measures are taken, the best defense against PFAS exposure lies in a combination of personal actions and advocacy for stronger public health protections.

As scientists continue to investigate the full scope of health risks associated with PFAS, it is essential that the public remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their health and the health of future generations. The research is still evolving, but it is clear that we must take immediate action to mitigate the dangers posed by these “forever chemicals.”