PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of man-made toxic chemicals. (PFAS are sometimes also called PFCs, or perfluorinated compounds.)

In recent years, some PFAS chemicals have been found at high levels in drinking water systems around the world.

This page provides for communities concerned about PFAS contamination and their drinking water. This work is a collaboration of the Boston University Superfund Research Program and Toxics Action Center, and is supported by independent funding from an anonymous donor.

PFAS and their health effects

• What are PFAS?
• How are/were we exposed to PFAS?
• How do PFAS travel through the environment?
• What do we know about the health effects of PFAS exposure?
• What is still unknown about the risks of PFAS?

Contamination, testing, and reducing risks

• Is there a test for PFAS contamination in my water?
• Can I have my blood tested for PFAS? Should I/we be tested?
• My test showed that I have PFAS in my blood. How should I interpret this result?
• What is the safe level of PFAS exposure?
• What can I do to reduce PFAS exposure and to lower my health risks?
• Should I filter my water?

Regulation & community response

• If PFAS are hazardous, how are they regulated?
• How can my community respond to this contamination?
• How can we make sure contamination like this doesn't happen in the future?