Can PFAS in your drinking water increase cancer risk?

What's actually in it

Tap water in many U.S. homes contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These "forever chemicals" get into water supplies from industrial sites, military bases, and products like nonstick cookware and food packaging. Standard water treatment doesn't remove most PFAS. Once in your body, they stick around for years.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Health looked at PFAS levels in public drinking water systems across the United States and compared them to cancer rates. The researchers found that areas with higher PFAS levels in drinking water had higher cancer prevalence. The link held even after accounting for other factors like smoking and income.

PFAS can affect the body in many ways. They disrupt hormones, weaken the immune system, and may damage DNA repair processes. Long-term exposure through drinking water means these chemicals build up in your blood and organs over time.

A good reverse osmosis filter or activated carbon filter can remove most PFAS from tap water. Check your local water utility's testing reports to see if PFAS have been detected in your area.