What are the Long-Term Health Risks of PFOS and PFOA Contamination in Drinking Water Worldwide?

Jennifer John
8 hours ago
5 min read

In recent years, concerns surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), specifically PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), have grown due to their widespread presence in drinking water, food, and the environment. These substances, which belong to a larger family of chemicals often referred to as "forever chemicals," have raised significant public health concerns, particularly regarding their potential toxicity and persistence in both the environment and the human body. While the U.S. has made strides in addressing the contamination of water sources with these chemicals, many other countries have adopted stricter regulations. This article will explore the presence of PFOS and PFOA in water supplies, compare the regulatory approaches between the U.S. and other nations, and examine the health implications of these chemicals.

What Are PFOS and PFOA?

PFOS and PFOA are man-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial applications and consumer products, particularly because of their water- and oil-repellent properties. They are commonly found in products such as:

Stain-resistant fabrics
Waterproof clothing
Non-stick cookware
Firefighting foam
Food packaging (such as fast-food wrappers)

These chemicals are highly resistant to breaking down in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." As a result, PFOS and PFOA persist in water, soil, and air for decades, leading to widespread contamination.

PFOS and PFOA in U.S. Water Supplies

In the U.S., PFOS and PFOA have been found in drinking water sources across the country. While these chemicals were phased out of production in the early 2000s due to increasing health concerns, they remain persistent in the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 16 million people in the U.S. may be drinking water contaminated with PFAS compounds above the health advisory level.

The EPA's Health Advisory Level for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water was set at 70 parts per trillion (ppt), though recent studies suggest that no amount of these chemicals in water may be safe. The guidelines are intended to protect public health from long-term exposure, but these numbers have been criticized as being outdated, especially given growing evidence of the harmful effects at lower concentrations.

One significant issue in the U.S. is the lack of uniform regulations. States have different standards for PFOS and PFOA, leading to a patchwork approach to managing contamination. Some states, like New Jersey and Michigan, have set much lower regulatory limits for PFAS in drinking water, while others still rely on the federal advisory levels.

Comparison to Other Countries

When compared to other nations, the U.S. lags behind in regulating PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. Many countries have adopted stricter guidelines, with some even implementing zero tolerance for these chemicals in water supplies.

1. European Union

The European Union has taken a more proactive stance in addressing PFAS contamination. In 2020, the EU set limits for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water at 0.1 micrograms per liter (100 ppt) for each individual substance, which is lower than the U.S. advisory level.
Additionally, the EU has classified PFOA as a substance of very high concern, and the chemicals are being phased out of various applications. EU countries have also taken steps to monitor and reduce PFAS levels in food, groundwater, and soil.

2. Australia

In Australia, the Australian Department of Health has established guideline values for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. The limit for PFOS is 0.07 micrograms per liter (70 ppt), aligning closely with the U.S. EPA's health advisory level, while PFOA is set at 0.56 micrograms per liter (560 ppt).
While Australia has more stringent monitoring practices in place than the U.S., there are still concerns over the regulation of PFAS in agricultural products and groundwater, as some regions continue to experience contamination linked to industrial activities.

3. Canada

Canada has set health-based guidelines for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water at 0.6 micrograms per liter (600 ppt), which is higher than the EU’s limit but still lower than the U.S.'s advisory level.
Canada has also been active in investigating PFAS contamination in various environmental media, with a focus on cleaning up contaminated sites and restricting the use of these chemicals in industrial applications.

4. Japan

Japan has established safety guidelines for PFOS and PFOA at 0.03 micrograms per liter (30 ppt), a much lower threshold than the U.S. This reflects Japan's emphasis on ensuring water quality and reducing long-term health risks associated with these chemicals.
Japan has also focused on monitoring environmental sources of PFAS, including water supplies and food products, with stringent regulations on the use of these substances in manufacturing processes.

Health Implications of PFOS and PFOA Exposure

The health risks associated with PFOS and PFOA have been the subject of numerous studies, and evidence continues to mount regarding their potential to cause a variety of serious health problems. These chemicals have been linked to the following:

1. Cancer:

Studies have suggested that long-term exposure to PFOS and PFOA may increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly kidney cancer and testicular cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B).

2. Liver Damage:

Both PFOS and PFOA have been shown to accumulate in the liver, potentially leading to liver damage. Some studies suggest that these chemicals may disrupt liver function and metabolism, contributing to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

3. Endocrine Disruption:

PFOS and PFOA have been implicated in endocrine disruption, affecting hormone levels and reproductive health. This includes impacts on thyroid function, which can lead to metabolic issues, as well as potential harm to fetal development during pregnancy.

4. Immune System Effects:

There is evidence suggesting that PFOS and PFOA exposure can impair the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections and increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases.

5. Developmental and Birth Defects:

Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, developmental delays, and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.

6. Cholesterol Levels:

Both PFOS and PFOA have been associated with elevated cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases over time.

What Needs to Be Done?

The ongoing contamination of drinking water with PFOS and PFOA presents a global health challenge. While the U.S. has made some progress in acknowledging the issue, it still faces significant hurdles in implementing federal regulations that align with scientific evidence regarding the risks these chemicals pose.

In comparison, countries such as the EU, Canada, and Japan have adopted stricter standards and have been proactive in regulating and eliminating PFAS from products and the environment. As concerns over water quality and public health continue to grow, it is likely that the U.S. will face increased pressure to update its policies on PFOS and PFOA, to better protect the population from the long-term health effects of these chemicals.

Ultimately, continued research, international cooperation, and stronger regulatory frameworks are needed to mitigate the risks of PFAS exposure and ensure safer drinking water worldwide. Public awareness and community action will also play critical roles in addressing this issue on a global scale.

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2021). Toxicological profile for perfluoroalkyls. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp200.pdf

European Commission. (2020). Regulation (EU) 2020/2006 on the restriction of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts, and related substances. European Union. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R2006

Government of Australia. (2020). Guideline values for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. Australian Department of Health. https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/water/quality-guidelines

Health Canada. (2021). Guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drinking-water-quality-guidelines/pfos-pfoa.html

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2017). IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans: Volume 110, Some chemicals in the environment and in the workplace. IARC. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/agents-classified-by-the-iarc/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). PFAS – Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. https://www.epa.gov/pfas

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board