Source: U.S. Government Accounting Office; Tribune News Agency
How PFAS get into the environment
Examples of how per- and polyfluoroalkl substances (PFAS) can enter the environment and water
Sludge byproducts
(biosolids) from farm wastewater treatment plants are spread on agricultural land as fertilizer and can contain PFAS and lead to water contamination.
Firefighting foam
can contaminate groundwater and source water when used at civlian and military airports or PFAS-containing products are disposed of in landfills.
Wastewater treatment plants
can discharge PFAS into source waters used by drinking water systems.
Consumer products
in households may contain PFAS (carpet, food packaging and nonstick cookware).
Private wells
can be contaminated with groundwater containing PFAS.
Food products
in agricultural production, such as milk, can become contaminated if livestock consumes PFAS in food or water.
Manufacturing sites
can contaminate ground or surface waters with PFAS.
