Have You Been Poisoned by PFAS – 5 Signs to Watch For
December 26, 2025 | PFAS Lawsuit Attorneys
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have become a silent, pervasive threat to our health and environment. These substances are virtually everywhere—from the cookware in our kitchens to the water we drink. Understanding what PFAS are, how they affect us, and recognizing the warning signs of exposure is crucial in today’s world.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a broad class of over 5,000 man-made chemicals composed mainly of carbon and fluorine atoms. These substances were first introduced in 1938 when Roy J. Plunkett, a chemist working at DuPont, accidentally discovered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This compound later became well-known by its trade name, Teflon, patented in 1945.
Since their discovery, PFAS compounds have been widely used due to their unique properties. These include resistance to water, stains, oil, grease, and heat. Such characteristics made PFAS ideal for numerous industrial applications and consumer products, ranging from nonstick cookware and firefighting foams to waterproof clothing, carpeting, and upholstery.
The Chemistry Behind PFAS
What makes PFAS so persistent in the environment and in living organisms is the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond. This bond is one of the strongest in chemistry, making PFAS incredibly resistant to breaking down. Because of this, PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” — they stay in the environment and in our bodies indefinitely.
The Ubiquity and Environmental Impact of PFAS
PFAS contamination isn’t just a future concern; it’s a current reality. Due to their extensive industrial use, nearly every person living in developed countries has detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. These chemicals accumulate slowly over time in plants, animals, fish, soil, groundwater, and even marine environments.
PFAS have been isolated from various human tissues and fluids, including blood, breast milk, urine, and organs. Their widespread presence means that exposure can occur through multiple pathways: inhalation of contaminated air, ingestion of polluted water or food, and even through the placenta and breast milk in infants.
PFAS in Everyday Products
Many household items contain PFAS, often without consumers realizing it. Nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, stain-resistant carpets, and certain cosmetics all commonly contain these substances. Because PFAS can become airborne, they can travel long distances from their original source, contaminating areas far removed from industrial sites.
A Troubling History: The DuPont Case and Public Awareness
The dangers of PFAS were first hinted at decades ago. In 1961, DuPont’s chief toxicologist raised concerns about the potential harm of PFAS to human health. However, meaningful action was delayed for years. It wasn’t until 1981, after birth defects were observed in babies born to female workers at DuPont’s West Virginia plant, that female employees were removed from working with Teflon-related products.
Despite these early warnings, DuPont’s 1984 testing revealed high levels of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, a type of PFAS) around their plant, but the company decided that reducing emissions was not economically attractive. The consequences became more apparent by the late 1980s when workers experienced increased rates of leukemia and kidney cancer.
The Turning Point: Wilbur Tennant’s Story
In 1998, Wilbur Tennant, a cattle farmer living downstream from the DuPont Washington Works plant, noticed alarming signs on his farm. His cattle drank from a creek with foamy water, and many exhibited strange behaviors, blackened teeth, skin tumors, malformed hooves, and birth defects. Over 150 of his original 200 cattle died.
Tennant’s observations led to a class action lawsuit involving over 70,000 residents whose drinking water was contaminated. The case settled and funded the landmark C8 health study. This comprehensive study linked PFOA exposure to a range of health issues including high cholesterol, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
How Are We Exposed to PFAS?
Exposure to PFAS occurs through various routes:
- Food: Contaminated plants, meats, and fish can carry PFAS due to polluted soil and water
- Drinking water: Groundwater contamination near industrial sites is a significant source
- Air: PFAS can become airborne and settle far from their original source
- Household products: Use of nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and cosmetics can lead to exposure
- In utero and infancy: PFAS can cross the placenta and be present in breast milk, affecting infants
Industrial activities remain a major contributor to environmental PFAS contamination, but everyday consumer products also play a significant role. Workers in manufacturing facilities that use PFAS are particularly at risk of higher exposure.
Five Signs You May Have Been Poisoned by PFAS
Recognizing the symptoms and conditions associated with PFAS exposure can empower you to seek testing and reduce further harm. Here are five scenarios where PFAS poisoning should be suspected:
- High Cholesterol Without Family History
If you have elevated cholesterol levels despite maintaining a healthy diet and no family history of high cholesterol, PFAS exposure could be a contributing factor. The C8 study found a correlation between PFAS and increased cholesterol, making this an important warning sign.
- Unexplained Type 2 Diabetes
Developing type 2 diabetes without typical risk factors such as family history or obesity might indicate PFAS influence. These chemicals may interfere with metabolic processes, increasing the risk of diabetes.
- Infertility in Women
If you’re a woman trying to conceive but have been unable to do so, and your doctor has ruled out common causes of infertility, PFAS exposure could be a hidden culprit. These substances can disrupt reproductive health and hormone function.
- Kidney, Liver, or Testicular Cancer Without Known Risk Factors
The development of these cancers without exposure to typical environmental or genetic risk factors should raise concerns about PFAS. For example:
- Liver cancer is usually linked to hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or exposure to toxins like aflatoxins.
- Kidney cancer is often related to genetics, obesity, smoking, or high blood pressure.
- Testicular cancer may be associated with anatomical abnormalities or infections like HIV.
If none of these apply, PFAS exposure might be involved.
- Kidney Failure Without Common Causes
Kidney failure that occurs without hypertension, diabetes, use of nephrotoxic drugs, or other environmental insults could point to PFAS toxicity. These chemicals can accumulate in kidney tissues and impair function over time.
Testing for PFAS Exposure
If you identify with any of the scenarios above, it may be wise to seek testing to determine your PFAS blood levels. However, it’s important to note that testing for PFAS is not routine and often requires specialized labs. Moreover, while a blood test can confirm the presence of PFAS, it cannot definitively prove that PFAS caused your health condition.
Local health departments may also offer information about PFAS contamination in your area’s water supply or environment, which can guide your decision to pursue testing.
Protecting Yourself and Your Community
Given the ubiquity and persistence of PFAS, completely avoiding exposure can be challenging. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Stay informed about PFAS contamination in your local water supply by consulting environmental and public health agencies
- Use water filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS when possible
- Limit use of nonstick cookware and waterproof or stain-resistant fabrics that may contain PFAS
- Advocate for stronger regulations and testing of PFAS in consumer products and industrial discharges
- Support ongoing research into safer chemical alternatives and effective cleanup technologies
Conclusion
PFAS are a complex and insidious group of chemicals that have woven themselves into the fabric of modern life. If you suspect you may have been exposed to harmful levels of PFAS, especially if you experience any of the five key signs discussed, consider consulting with healthcare professionals and environmental experts.
