Learn about your potential exposure to PFAS
Drinking water
PFAS contaminates public drinking water systems serving at least 19 million people in 49 states. This interactive map from EWG and the Social Science Health and Environmental Health Research Institute shows where PFAS has been detected in drinking water.
The number of U.S. communities confirmed to be contaminated with the highly toxic fluorinated compounds known as PFAS continues to grow at an alarming rate. As of June 2022, 2,858 locations in 50 states and two territories are known to be contaminated.
You can also search for your own zip code in EWG’s Tap Water Database to see if your local utility has detected PFAS contamination.
Industrial facilities
Over 30,000 industrial facilities may be discharging PFAS into the environment. This map will show you whether there’s one near you.
Food wrappers
Many fast food restaurants use sandwich wrappers, French fry bags, pizza boxes and other packaging treated with PFAS. Read about our tests.
Cosmetics and personal care products
EWG scientists scoured our Skin Deep® database to see which cosmetics and personal care products contained PFAS. We identified 13 different PFAS chemicals in nearly 200 products from 28 brands. You can check your own products and find safer alternatives.
Protect yourself
EWG’s free Guide To Avoiding PFAS Chemicals provides tips for avoiding PFAS in clothing, cookware, furniture, carpets, food wrappers, cosmetics and other personal care products.
If PFAS has been detected in your tap water, or if you suspect contamination, use EWG’s Water Filter Buying Guide to find a filter certified to remove some PFAS chemicals.
Potential PFAS contamination is another good reason to choose organic foods when possible. In many places, sewage sludge is spread on crop lands as fertilizer, and the sludge can be contaminated with PFAS. But sewage sludge can’t be used on fields that grow organic produce. Our annual Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists can help you choose organic foods that fit your budget