A groundbreaking study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC has identified a significant connection between PFAS contamination in drinking water and a range of rare cancers. The research, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, is the first to examine this relationship across the U.S. on a large scale.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals found in household products like food packaging and furniture. These compounds persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time. Previous research has linked PFAS to kidney, breast, and testicular cancers. This new study expands on those findings, revealing that exposure to PFAS-contaminated drinking water is associated with an up to 33% increase in certain digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and mouth and throat cancers.
PFAS and Cancer: The Data Behind the Findings
To establish this link, researchers analyzed cancer incidence data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (2016-2021) alongside PFAS contamination data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule programs (2013-2024).
By controlling for factors such as socioeconomic status, smoking rates, obesity, and urbanization, the researchers isolated the effects of PFAS on cancer risk. They found that counties with drinking water exceeding the EPA’s recommended PFAS limits had significantly higher rates of certain cancers. The estimated impact of PFAS contamination translates to 6,864 additional cancer cases in the U.S. each year.
“These findings allow us to draw an initial conclusion about the link between certain rare cancers and PFAS,” said Shiwen (Sherlock) Li, PhD, the study’s lead author. “This suggests that it’s worth researching each of these links in a more individualized and precise way.”
Cancer Risks by Gender and Region
The study revealed differences in cancer risk based on sex:
- Males in areas with contaminated drinking water had a higher incidence of leukemia and cancers of the urinary system, brain, and soft tissues.
- Females had increased rates of thyroid, mouth and throat, and soft tissue cancers.
- The highest increase was a 33% rise in mouth and throat cancers, linked to perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS).
The findings underscore how exposure to PFAS in water supplies can vary based on location and demographic factors, shaping long-term health outcomes.
Regulatory Implications and the Push for Stronger Limits
The EPA plans to enforce limits on six types of PFAS in drinking water starting in 2029. However, researchers warn that stricter regulations may be necessary to protect public health fully.
“Certain PFAS that were less studied need to be monitored more, and regulators need to think about other PFAS that may not be strictly regulated yet,” said Li.
The study adds to growing concerns about PFAS exposure and strengthens calls for regulatory agencies to impose tighter controls on these chemicals.
Next Steps: Individual Studies and Policy Changes
While this study provides a broad overview of PFAS-related cancer risks, researchers emphasize the need for individual-level studies to determine causal links and understand the biological mechanisms involved.
The findings also serve as a call to action for policymakers. With PFAS found in approximately 45% of U.S. drinking water supplies, the issue is both widespread and pressing. Strengthening water quality standards and investing in filtration technology could play a crucial role in reducing cancer risk for affected communities.
Reducing PFAS Exposure with Water Filtration
One effective way to reduce PFAS exposure is through reverse osmosis filtration systems, which can remove these chemicals from drinking water. Additionally, whole-home water conditioners can help limit household exposure. As research continues to reveal the health risks associated with PFAS, advanced filtration methods may become an essential tool for public health protection.
Source: Keck School of Medicine of USC
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