Quick Facts

• 98.5% of 10,566 blood samples contained multiple PFAS chemicals simultaneously
• The most common combination included five PFAS chemicals found in 26.1% of samples
• Higher PFAS levels in drinking water directly correlate with elevated blood concentrations

Nearly every American carries multiple forever chemicals in their blood, according to one of the largest studies ever conducted on PFAS contamination. Researchers tested 10,566 blood samples and found at least one PFAS chemical in 98.8% of them.

The findings reveal a more troubling reality. About 98.5% of people were carrying multiple PFAS at the same time. Only 19 samples contained a single PFAS chemical.

PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. Scientists call them forever chemicals because many persist for decades or centuries in the environment.

The most common pattern involved five PFAS together, detected in 2,754 samples or 26.1% of those tested. This combination included historically used PFOS and PFOA along with their replacement chemicals.

Drinking Water Connection Confirmed

New research presented at ADLM 2025 directly linked drinking water contamination to blood levels. People living in areas with higher PFAS levels in their drinking water showed elevated blood concentrations of these chemicals.

Dr. Aaron Bernstein, director of CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health, confirmed that most Americans are exposed to PFAS through drinking water. Research estimates 200 million people in the U.S. rely on tap water contaminated with these chemicals.

Health Risks Mount with Multiple Exposures

Current studies link PFAS exposure to decreased fertility, increased blood pressure in pregnant women, and developmental delays in children. The chemicals also increase cancer risk, particularly prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.

A national study found two PFAS compounds, PFNA and PFOSA, in 95% of participants and linked them to faster biological aging in men aged 50 to 64. Brain development research shows altered white matter development in children following maternal PFAS exposure.

The immune system also suffers. PFAS reduce the body’s ability to fight infections and lower vaccine response rates.

Regulatory Actions Accelerate

The FDA announced in February 2024 that all PFAS-containing grease-proofing agents are no longer sold in the U.S. In January 2025, the agency declared 35 food contact notifications for PFAS substances no longer effective.

The EPA set maximum PFAS concentrations in drinking water at 4 nanograms per liter for PFOA and PFOS, and 10 nanograms per liter for PFHxS in 2024.

Twenty states now ban PFAS in paper food packaging. Maine, Washington, and New York have banned these chemicals in children’s products, cosmetics, and textiles. Minnesota, Colorado, and Maine adopted cookware bans starting in 2025 and 2026.

Testing and Solutions

The National Academy of Sciences recommends testing for anyone with total PFAS blood levels above 20 nanograms per milliliter across nine key chemicals. Those with high levels should receive additional testing and reduce exposure.

Early research suggests fiber supplements might help reduce PFAS concentrations. A small study published in Environmental Health found people who consumed fiber supplements had lower levels of specific PFAS chemicals.

Read more: Everyone Has Forever Chemicals In Their Blood — But The Real Risk Is This