What Are PFAS?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in industrial, commercial, and household products for their resistance to water, oil, heat, and stains.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body—and have been detected in soil, air, food, and most critically, drinking water sources across the U.S.
Where Do PFAS Come From?
PFAS have been in use since the 1940s and are found in thousands of products, including:
- Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
- Waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics
- Food packaging (microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers)
- Firefighting foams (AFFF)
- Industrial degreasers and lubricants
- Dental floss and cosmetics
How Does PFAS Get Into Drinking Water?
PFAS contamination often starts near industrial sites, airports, military bases, and landfills. When PFAS are released through runoff or improper waste disposal, they can seep into groundwater and municipal water supplies.
What Enforceable Levels of PFAS in Drinking Water?
The EPA now defines dangerous PFAS levels in drinking water as anything above 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. While this is the official enforceable limit, the EPA’s health-based goal (MCLG) is actually 0 ppt—because research suggests there’s no safe level of long-term PFAS exposure.
The challenge? Removing PFAS from public water systems is extremely complex and costly. Advanced methods like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or carbon filtration are difficult to scale across municipalities. For now, the 4 ppt standard reflects what’s technically feasible—not necessarily what’s ideal. As technology improves, we may get closer to zero.
Until then, private PFAS water testing remains the most reliable way to know what’s in your water and whether additional treatment is needed.
PFOA
MCLG: 0 ppt
MCL: 4 ppt
PFOS
MCLG: 0 ppt
MCL: 4 ppt
PFHxS
MCLG: 10 ppt
MCL: 10 ppt
PFNA
MCLG: 10 ppt
MCL: 10 ppt
*MCLG: Maximum Contamination Level Goal
*MCL: Maximum Contamination Level
Why the Structure Is So Effective
The carbon-fluorine bond in PFAS is extremely difficult to break. This means PFAS can:
- Resist High Temperatures
- Repel Water and Oil
- Withstand Chemical Reactions
- Remain Stable for Long Periods
These traits made PFAS extremely valuable for industrial and consumer applications where durability and resistance were key.
The Science Behind PFAS: Why It Works—And Why It’s a Problem
“Forever chemicals” are made of strong carbon-fluorine bonds—one of the most stable chemical structures known to science.
Because of their molecular stability, PFAS compounds don’t degrade under typical conditions. That’s why they’ve been used in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant coatings, food packaging, and more.
Why the Same Structure Poses a Risk
The same stability that makes PFAS useful also makes them nearly impossible for the body—or nature—to break down. When PFAS enter drinking water or are absorbed into the bloodstream, they tend to accumulate.
Unlike many other chemicals that are flushed out by the liver or kidneys, PFAS persist in the body, building up with continued exposure. This has led to growing concern over their presence in our water systems.
Schedule PFAS Water Testing With Confidence
Whether you’re managing a commercial facility or testing a private home, Full Spectrum Environmental provides certified PFAS testing with reliable lab analysis, clear reporting, and responsive services.