PFAS in California: Water & Food Risks
- Despite progress in reducing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in some foods, drinking water, seafood, and eggs continue to be primary sources of exposure for adults, according to...
- The study, conducted by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), examined the link between diet, drinking water, and legacy...
- Participants in the California Regional Exposure Study from 2018 to 2020 provided data on their consumption of various foods.The study found associations between PFAS levels and the consumption...
Drinking water, seafood, and eggs are still major sources of PFAS exposure for adults in California, even as exposure from some food groups declines. A new study from Boston university and the California Department of Public Health reveals these “forever chemicals” remain a concern, especially newer replacement compounds. The research examined the link between diet, drinking water, and legacy PFAS to understand how residents are exposed.The study also found associations between secondary_keyword levels and the consumption of brown rice. The EPA is maintaining drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS,with an extended compliance deadline.This underscores the need for continued efforts to regulate PFAS in drinking water supplies, say researchers. News Directory 3 brings you the latest insights. Discover what’s next in the ongoing efforts to understand and mitigate PFAS exposure.
Drinking Water, Seafood Still Key Sources of PFAS Exposure
Updated june 7, 2025
Despite progress in reducing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in some foods, drinking water, seafood, and eggs continue to be primary sources of exposure for adults, according to a recent study. Researchers are urging continued vigilance regarding these “forever chemicals,” especially newer replacement compounds.
The study, conducted by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), examined the link between diet, drinking water, and legacy PFAS in blood samples from California residents. the findings indicated that while PFAS exposure from food sources may be declining, drinking water remains a concern, especially in areas with detectable levels of these chemicals.
Participants in the California Regional Exposure Study from 2018 to 2020 provided data on their consumption of various foods.The study found associations between PFAS levels and the consumption of seafood, eggs, and brown rice. Nerissa Wu, biomonitoring California program lead at CDPH, said that while fewer associations with food where observed, concerns about PFAS in some food groups remain.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it would maintain drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most harmful forever chemicals, while extending the compliance deadline for water utilities to 2031.
Kathleen Attfield, head of the Biomonitoring California, Exposure Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit at CDPH, emphasized the importance of California’s efforts to address PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies.
“these findings emphasize the need to continue ongoing efforts to regulate PFAS in drinking water,” said Dr. Emily Pennoyer,study lead and corresponding author.
What’s next
Researchers are calling for further examination into indoor exposures from air, dust, and cosmetics, as well as analysis of newer, non-legacy PFAS chemicals. Wendy Heiger-Bernays, emeritus clinical professor of environmental health at BUSPH, said efforts to limit the use of PFAS, including emerging PFAS, are necessary to reduce their presence in the habitat.
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