Can secondhand exposure to PFAS from firefighting foam affect families?

What's actually in it

Firefighting foam contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These are human-made chemicals designed to resist heat and water. They don't break down in the environment, which is why they are often called forever chemicals. When this foam is used, it leaches into the soil and water near the site.

This contamination moves through the food chain. A 2026 study in Integr Environ Assess Manag found that bivalves, such as clams and mussels, living near sites where this foam was used can absorb these chemicals. If your family eats food sourced from these areas, you are directly ingesting these toxins.

What the research says

The health risks of PFAS are backed by clear research. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to severe developmental and physical health issues.

A 2026 study in Front Toxicol found that exposure to PFAS during pregnancy and breastfeeding can change how the brain develops, leading to long-term problems with learning and memory in adulthood.

Other research highlights how even small amounts of these chemicals disrupt the body. A 2026 study in Environ Health shows that PFAS interfere with hormonal systems and pubertal development. The study notes that the damage is often worse at lower levels of exposure, meaning there is no truly safe "low" amount for your family.

Once these chemicals enter your body through contaminated water or food, they stay there for a long time. A 2026 study in Environ Health Prev Med tracked high levels of PFAS in populations exposed through drinking water, confirming that these toxins accumulate in the blood and persist in the human body.