Originally developed in the 1930s, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals that have been widely used to make or to improve various types of everyday products. For example, they have been used to make non-stick cookware, to make clothes and carpets more resistant to stains, to make food packaging more resistant to oils and water, and to make specialized firefighting foams. Nearly everyone is exposed to these chemicals, by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, by using products made with PFAS, or by breathing air containing PFAS.
Although they have been used widely since the 1950s, very little information was publicly available for these chemicals until recent years. Scientists are concerned that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, decreased vaccine response, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and some other health issues. In recent years, PFAS chemicals have been detected in many water supplies around the world, including parts of Orange County. Local water providers and the Orange County Water District (OCWD) are reducing PFAS exposures by closely monitoring regulated PFAS chemicals, shutting down affected wells, using alternative water sources, and building new or enhanced water treatment systems to ensure local tap water remains safe.
The UCI PFAS Health Study is part of a national effort to learn more about PFAS exposures and health effects, by measuring PFAS in people’s blood and urine in Orange County, and by evaluating their health. You can watch this short video to learn more about the study, or you can learn how to participate here or by contacting our study office.
For answers to common questions about PFAS, please visit the FAQ page of our website.