Per- or polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances refers to more than 9,000 human-made chemicals. These chemicals repel water, oil and grease.
PFAS are also called “forever chemicals." They don't breakdown in the environment and build up in wildlife and humans through exposure.
Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used in many commercial and industrial applications, including:
- Metal plating
- Carpeting
- Waterproof clothing
- Upholstery
- Food paper wrappings
- Cookware
- Cosmetics
- Fire-fighting foam
- And much more
Find more information about PFAS on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website.
Health effects
Current peer-reviewed scientific studies show exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
- Reproductive effects (decreased fertility)
- Increased high blood pressure in pregnant people.
- Developmental effects or delays in children. This includes low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations or behavioral changes.
- Increased risk of some cancers. This includes prostate, kidney and testicular cancers.
- Reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
- Interference with the body's natural hormones.
- Increased cholesterol levels and risk of obesity.
PFAS in drinking water
PFAS concentrations over the Minnesota Department of Health's drinking water guidelines have been detected in both city and private drinking water wells in Dakota County. In April 2023, Dakota County published a
report with the PFAS results of 97 private wells. Twenty-nine private drinking well results exceed the drinking water guidelines.
At this time, municipal wells in the cities of
Hastings and
South St. Paul exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water standards. Cities have five years (by 2029) to meet the new standards.
Please contact your city if you have questions about these results. See city water testing results on the Minnesota Department of Health's Interactive Dashboard for PFAS Testing in Drinking Water.
How to test and treat your drinking water
The
Minnesota Department of Health website lists accredited labs that will test a water sample collected by a well owner. A granular activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS in your city or private well's drinking water and are available in many ways:
- Faucet mounted
- Refrigerators that dispense water often have carbon filters
- Pour-through water pitchers
- Whole house carbon filters
Look for a filter that is
NSF/ANSI 53-certified to reduce PFOA and PFOS. Because the drinking water guidelines are new, the certifications on water treatment devices do not apply to the new lower guidelines. Other treatment options to reduce PFAS are listed on the
Minnesota Department of Health's website.
PFAS in consumer products
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PFAS is found in many products and is not required to be listed on the label.
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Food packaging, including grease-resistant paper, fast food containers and wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers
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Nonstick cookware
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Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
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Water-resistant clothing
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Some cleaning products
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Some personal care products (shampoo, dental floss) and cosmetics (nail polish, eye makeup)
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Some paints, varnishes and sealants
Minnesota now has laws in place to end avoidable use of PFAS by 2032.
To reduce your potential exposure, choose PFAS-free products using PFAS Central's list or Greenscreen for Safer Chemicals' list. Some companies have PFAS-free policies in place. Others published a date on their website for when they stopped using PFAS in their products.
PFAS in fish
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) offered
new fish consumption guidance for segments of the Mississippi River, including portions within Dakota County.
PFAS in the environment
PFAS can pollute the environment from many sources like old landfills, dumps or industrial disposals. You can be exposed through the water you drink, foods you eat, and products you use. Understanding PFAS and how it moves through the environment can help reduce exposure. Watch a video from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Environmental Resources at 952-891-7000 or environ@co.dakota.mn.us