Exposure to low concentrations of these contaminants in drinking water results in increased concentrations in human blood serum that persist for many years after exposure ends. Exposures from even low levels of PFAS in drinking water are greater than typical exposures in the general population from other known sources such as food and consumer products (e.g., grease-proof food packaging, nonstick cookware, and stain or water-resistant fabrics). Since human health effects are associated with even low-level exposures to PFAS, it is especially important to minimize exposure from drinking water.

What are the health risks of PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA?

There is considerable information on the health effects of PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA in humans and animals.

PFOA and PFOS

From human health studies, the most consistent findings for PFOA and PFOS are:

• Increased cholesterol
• Increased uric acid levels
• Increased levels of some liver enzymes
• Decreased antibody response to vaccinations
• Increased risk of childhood infections
• Small decreases in birth weight
• Increased risk of kidney cancer (for PFOA)

In a large study of communities with PFOA in their drinking water, PFOA was associated with:

• Clinically defined high cholesterol
• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension

PFOA was also associated with kidney cancer in a large study of the general population.

In laboratory animals, effects of PFOA and PFOS include:

• Weight loss
• Toxicity to the liver
• Toxicity to the immune system
• Neurological and behavioral effects
• Changes in hormone levels
• Effects on metabolism
• Mortality and decreased growth and development of the fetus and newborn animal
• Increased incidence of tumors

PFNA

There is considerable information on the human health effects of PFNA. However, there are fewer human studies than for PFOA and PFOS.

From human health studies, the most consistent findings for PFNA are:

• Increased cholesterol
• Increase levels of some liver enzymes

In laboratory animals, effects of PFNA include:

• Weight loss
• Toxicity to the liver
• Toxicity to the immune system
• Toxicity to the kidney
• Toxicity to the male reproductive system
• Effects on metabolism
• Mortality and decreased growth and development of the fetus and newborn animal

There have been no studies of whether PFNA can cause tumors in laboratory animals.

How do PFAS affect babies and pregnant people?

PFAS can cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus. When drinking water is contaminated, PFAS exposures to infants from prepared formula and especially through breast milk are much higher than in adults. These higher exposures are of concern because the fetus and infant are sensitive to the developmental effects of PFAS.

Can I be exposed to PFAS by consuming fish?

PFAS that enter surface waters can accumulate in fish. Consumption of fish from contaminated waters can lead exposure to PFAS, most commonly PFOS, at levels of potential health concerns. Because PFAS can adversely affect development, infants, children, pregnant people, nursing parents, and individuals assigned female at birth who are of childbearing age are at the highest risk from eating PFAS-contaminated fish.

For more information about fish consumption advisories, please visit Fish Smart Eat Smart.

NJ Department of Health PFAS in Drinking Water Fact Sheet

For more information, contact your local health department.