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You may have heard PFAS called “forever chemicals.” Here’s what they are, what they mean for Raleigh.
PFAS Basics & Health Standards
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s. They are useful because they resist water, heat, stains, and breaking down over time.
PFAS have been used in products such as:
- Food packaging
- Dental floss
- Carpeting
- Waterproof clothing
- Cookware
Because PFAS do not break down easily, they can remain in the environment for a long time. They have been found in air, soil, and water around the world.
Most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS.
Scientists continue to study PFAS and their potential health effects. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS above specific levels may cause harmful health effects.
What is a Health Advisory Level?
A Health Advisory Level (HAL) is guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It tells water providers and the public when a chemical level may pose a health risk from long-term exposure. A health advisory is not a legal limit. Think of it as an early warning while the EPA develops drinking water standards.
EPA Health Advisory Levels: PFAS 2022 Health Advisory
- PFOA: 0.004 ppt
- PFOS: 0.02 ppt
- GenX: 10 ppt
- PFBS: 2,000 ppt
The EPA’s updated PFOA and PFOS health advisory levels are below what current testing equipment can reliably detect.
What is a Maximum Contaminant Level?
A Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is an enforceable federal drinking water standard.
Think of it this way:
- Health advisory = warning
- MCL = legal limit
In 2024, the EPA finalized MCLs for six PFAS.
The MCL for:
- PFOA is 4 ppt.
- PFOS is 4 ppt.
The EPA also established limits for mixtures of certain PFAS, including PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS and GenX chemicals.
What does “parts per trillion” mean?
A part per trillion (ppt) is a very small amount.
One way to picture it is: 1 ppt is about one drop of water in 500 Olympic-size swimming pools.
This example shows how small a ppt is. It is not a measurement of PFAS in Raleigh’s water.
What is a hazard index?
A hazard index looks at certain PFAS together, rather than separately. Think of it as adding several pieces of a puzzle to get one overall number. The EPA says the hazard index should be below 1.0. Raleigh’s reported hazard index is 0.0017.
Raleigh Water: Monitoring, Results & Actions
What does this mean for Raleigh?
Raleigh Water has monitored for PFAS since 2013.
PFAS levels in Raleigh’s drinking water have usually ranged from non-detectable to:
PFAS Reported level
- PFOA 4 ppt
- PFOS 5.5 ppt
- PFBS 3.5 ppt
Raleigh’s reported hazard index is 0.0017.
What is Raleigh Water doing about PFAS?
Raleigh Water is focused on meeting federal PFAS drinking water standards and reducing PFAS in our water.
We are:
- Optimizing our powdered activated carbon (PAC) system, which can reduce PFAS.
- Monitoring PFAS in drinking water and source waters.
- Using EPA-approved testing methods.
- Evaluating new treatment technologies.
- Working with regulatory agencies and industry partners.
- Tracking new PFAS research and regulations.
Raleigh Water is currently meeting the 4 ppt MCL for PFOA and PFOS.
PFAS levels in our source waters also appear to be decreasing.
Is Raleigh monitoring lakes and rivers for PFAS?
Raleigh Water monitors PFAS in our drinking water sources.
In general, PFAS levels in our source waters appear to be decreasing. NC-DEQ also maintains a PFAS monitoring tool with information about PFAS research and monitoring.
PFAS monitoring and swimming safety are different issues. For current swimming advisories, check information from the agency responsible for the specific lake or river.
Reduce PFAS Exposure in Daily Life
What can I do to reduce my exposure to PFAS?
PFAS can be found in many products we use every day. While it is not possible to avoid all PFAS, there are simple steps you can take to reduce potential exposure.
You can:
- Choose products made without intentionally added PFAS when alternatives are available.
- Reduce your use of highly packaged foods.
- Choose fresh, whole foods when practical.
- Choose PFAS-free products when replacing household items.
- Reduce household dust.
- Avoid products advertised as stain-resistant or water-resistant when those features are not needed.
You do not need to make big changes all at once. Small choices can help reduce potential exposure.
Can I reduce PFAS exposure through the food I eat?
One simple step is to choose more fresh, whole foods and fewer highly packaged or fast foods. PFAS have been used in some food packaging because they help resist grease and moisture. For example, choose fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, or other foods with less packaging when practical. Buying foods with less packaging can also help reduce waste.
Should I limit fast food or takeout?
Eating less fast food and takeout can be one way to reduce potential exposure to PFAS from food packaging. Some food wrappers and containers may contain PFAS.
There is also some good news: in February 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that PFAS-containing grease-proofing substances were no longer being sold for use in food packaging in the U.S. The FDA established a compliance date of June 30, 2025, for certain existing food paper packaging.
Over time, businesses may continue changing their packaging and sourcing practices as PFAS-free alternatives become more widely used.
A simple place to start is to cut your drive-through or takeout meals in half. When ordering takeout, you can also look for businesses that use PFAS-free food packaging when that information is available.
For more information about changes to PFAS in food packaging, see the presentation or the FDA's information on the phase-out of PFAS in food packaging.
Can cookware and kitchen products contain PFAS?
Some nonstick cookware and other kitchen products may contain PFAS. If you are replacing older cookware, consider options such as:
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Glass
- Ceramic-coated cookware
You can also look for products labeled PFAS-free when shopping for cookware, kitchen utensils and other household products. Keep in mind that “PFOA-free” or “PFOS-free” does not necessarily mean a product is free of all PFAS. Those labels refer to specific PFAS.
Can PFAS be found in clothing, carpets, or furniture?
PFAS can be used to make products resistant to water or stains. This can include some carpets, rugs, furniture and clothing.
You can also consider wearing a layer between your clothing and outerwear, such as rain jackets. When buying new products, look for options that are not advertised as stain-resistant or water-resistant when those features are not needed. For everyday clothing, choosing natural fibers such as cotton, wool or hemp can be one option.
Are there ways to reduce PFAS exposure from personal care products?
When shopping for cosmetics and personal care products, check the ingredient list and, when possible, choose products without intentionally added PFAS or other fluorinated ingredients.
Organizations provide public information and resources, including lists of common personal care products and information about ingredients such as PFAS and other chemicals.
See the webinar for more information about these resources.
Does how I heat and store food matter?
Heating food in some plastic containers can increase the release of chemicals into food. As a simple precaution, avoid heating food in plastic containers when possible and use glass or ceramic containers instead. For example, instead of microwaving leftovers in a plastic takeout container, transfer them to a glass or ceramic dish.
If you use plastic water bottles, avoid leaving them in a hot car or direct sunlight for long periods.
What about eating fish?
Some fish can contain PFAS, particularly fish from contaminated bodies of water. If you catch your own fish, check your state’s current fish consumption advisories before eating it. These recommendations can vary depending on where the fish were caught.
For seafood from stores or restaurants, follow current dietary guidance from trusted health and food safety agencies.
Can water filters reduce PFAS?
Yes. Some filters can reduce PFAS.
This includes:
- Refrigerator filters
- Pitcher filters
- Whole-home filters
However, not every filter works the same way.
If you are considering a filter, Raleigh Water recommends the NC-DEQ PFAS Water Testing and Filtration Resources guide. It includes filter models and manufacturers that can help reduce PFAS.
Always check the manufacturer’s information for which PFAS the filter reduces and when the filter should be replaced.
What can be done to reduce PFAS?
PFAS are used in many products, so reducing them is a challenge that involves manufacturers, consumers and government.
At the federal level, one approach is to work with federal legislators to eliminate PFAS production in the United States and reduce or eliminate imports of products containing PFAS.
Consumers can also look for products made without intentionally added PFAS when alternatives are available.
The good news is that you do not need to make big changes all at once. Simple choices — such as reducing highly packaged foods, choosing PFAS-free products when replacing household items and reducing household dust — can help reduce potential exposure.
What does this mean for you?
PFAS are found in many products and can come from a variety of sources.
There are simple steps you can take in your daily life to reduce potential exposure, such as choosing products made without intentionally added PFAS when alternatives are available and reducing your use of highly packaged foods.
When it comes to drinking water, Raleigh Water is monitoring PFAS, meeting federal drinking water requirements and working to reduce PFAS in our drinking water.
Raleigh Water will continue to follow new science, regulations, testing methods and treatment technologies.
Learn More: Webinar, Reliable Sources & Timeline
How does Raleigh keep up with new PFAS information?
PFAS include thousands of different chemicals, and the science continues to change.
Raleigh Water works with organizations such as the American Water Works Association and Aqualaw to track emerging contaminants and new treatment technologies.
We also receive updates from the U.S. EPA and NC Public Water Supply Section.
Where can I find reliable information?
There is a lot of information about PFAS online. For reliable information about chemicals and food, Raleigh Water recommends:
The City of Raleigh Environmental Advisory Board partnered with the Office of Sustainability and Raleigh Water to host a virtual community education event. Hear from local and national experts about PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” and how organizations and informed consumer choices can help reduce exposure.
You’ll learn:
- What PFAS are and where exposure comes from
- How organizations are working to reduce PFAS use and exposure
- Simple steps you can take at home to lower your exposure and help build a more resilient Raleigh
When reading information online, check who published it, when it was published and whether the information is based on scientific research.
PFAS Timeline
2013: Raleigh Water begins monitoring for PFAS.
2016: EPA issues its first health advisory levels for PFOA, PFOS, and GenX.
2022: EPA updates health advisory levels for PFOA and PFOS and issues levels for GenX and PFBS.
2023: EPA proposes Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA and PFOS.
2024: EPA finalizes Maximum Contaminant Levels for six PFAS.
Today: Raleigh Water continues to monitor PFAS, improve treatment, and follow EPA requirements.