The Longer You Live in the U.S., the More PFAS You Have

Immigrants who move to the United States start with 27% lower PFAS levels than people born here. But the longer they stay, the closer their levels get to everyone else's.

PFAS Goes Up With Time in America

A 2026 study in J Immigr Minor Health analyzed NHANES data from over 11,000 adults. They compared PFAS blood levels between U.S.-born residents and immigrants based on how long they'd lived in the country.

Immigrants living in the U.S. for less than 5 years had PFAS levels 27% lower than U.S.-born adults. After 5 to 10 years, the gap shrank to 16% lower. After 10 to 15 years, still 16% lower. The levels kept climbing toward the American baseline.

What This Tells Us

Living in the United States steadily increases your PFAS body burden. It's not about genetics. It's about the environment. American products, water, food packaging, and household goods are loaded with PFAS. The longer you're surrounded by them, the more you absorb.

The pace of convergence varied by race and ethnicity, reflecting different dietary habits, product use, and where people lived. But the overall trend was the same for everyone: more time in the U.S. means more PFAS.

How to Fight Back

You can't avoid PFAS entirely in the U.S., but you can reduce your exposure. Filter your tap water. Avoid nonstick cookware. Skip stain-resistant treatments on furniture and clothing. Choose food stored in glass, not plastic or coated packaging. Browse non-toxic home essentials for everyday alternatives.

Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.

Source: Brosset E, et al. (2026). J Immigr Minor Health.