As part of nationwide environmental health assessments, PFAS blood testing programmes have detected widespread exposure across US populations.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that most Americans have detectable levels of PFAS exposure in their blood.
These findings stem from years of research and have been published in the CDC’s National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals.
“PFAS can remain in the body for years, and blood testing is often the only way people realise they’ve been exposed,” explained Sarah Miller, Legal Assistant at Legal Claim Assistant, the company advocating for more PFAS blood testing.
“PFAS blood tests offers a clearer picture of exposure levels in individuals and communities, which can inform both medical monitoring and environmental policy.”
Causes of high levels of PFAS exposure
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified common sources of PFAS exposure, including drinking water, food packaging, industrial emissions, and consumer products.
Individuals in proximity to military installations, airports, or facilities that use fluorochemicals may be at a higher risk due to legacy contamination or occupational exposure.
While health outcomes depend on numerous factors, several scientific studies have investigated the associations between PFAS exposure and specific health effects. These include potential links to changes in liver function, disruption of thyroid hormone levels, and reduced vaccine response.
“For individuals with elevated PFAS levels and related medical concerns, PFAS blood testing data may support informed discussions with healthcare providers,” Miller said.
How PFAS blood testing can aid with detection
PFAS blood testing typically involves testing for specific compounds such as PFOA, PFOS, and GenX.
Certified laboratories analyse blood samples to quantify PFAS concentrations in parts per billion (ppb). These tests are often conducted by government health agencies, occupational health researchers, or private clinics in areas where exposure is known to occur.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) notes that biomonitoring does not determine whether PFAS exposure has caused illness. However, elevated levels may support further medical evaluation and risk communication.
