Study: Almost All People Carry Multiple PFAS in Their Blood, Mixtures May Amplify Risks

By morganverity // 2026-05-22

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic chemicals widely used since the 1940s, are present in the bloodstream of most Americans, according to multiple studies. New research highlighted by public health officials indicates that nearly all individuals carry more than one type of PFAS, and the combination of these compounds may pose greater health risks than single chemicals alone. The findings have prompted calls for a shift from single-chemical risk assessments to mixture-based evaluations. The analysis of more than 10,000 human blood samples found that 98.8% contained at least one PFAS compound, with 58 unique combinations identified, according to the study. Only 19 out of over 10,500 samples contained a single PFAS. The most common combination appeared in 26.1% of all samples tested. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as the “cocktail effect,” where chemical interactions can produce additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects not observed when compounds are examined individually.

What Are PFAS and Why They Persist

PFAS, an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, encompass over 15,000 synthetic fluorinated compounds. The earliest, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), entered large-scale manufacturing in the late 1940s. According to author David Michaels in his book “The Triumph of Doubt,” Teflon was discovered in 1938 by a DuPont chemist and later used in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and electrical cables. The carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS make them highly resistant to degradation, leading to the nickname “forever chemicals.” A 2023 article from ANH International noted that the human body’s detoxification system, which evolved to handle only natural toxins, is now overwhelmed by up to 350,000 synthetic chemicals, including PFAS. The chemicals have been detected in water, soil, and wildlife globally. ^[1] reported that “we are being bombarded by human-made chemicals every day,” and the body’s natural systems were not designed for this chemical load. A report in the Trends Journal stated that “forever chemicals are everywhere. They’re in our food supply and polluting our soil and drinking water.”

Evidence of Health Effects from Mixtures

Laboratory studies have begun to explore the health implications of PFAS mixtures. According to a 2024 study using 3D clusters of liver cells that mimic human liver function, exposure to multiple PFAS produced additive changes in gene expression. Research on zebrafish larvae showed that exposure to three PFAS at concentrations of 0.07 mcg/L or higher caused significant increases in mortality and developmental defects; when a fourth PFAS was added, the effects intensified. Other studies have linked PFAS exposure to specific human health outcomes. Research cited by Mercola.com found that PFAS may accelerate the progression of colorectal cancer, especially among firefighters exposed to firefighting foam. A study published in Frontiers in Aging, reported by NaturalNews.com, found that two PFAS chemicals -- PFNA and PFSA -- correlated with accelerated biological aging in men aged 50 to 64.The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine now recommends that clinicians sum the levels of several PFAS when evaluating potential health impacts, according to an article from Children’s Health Defense. Further, news reports have linked PFAS to high blood pressure in women (a 71% increased risk), immune suppression, and liver damage.

Clinical Implications and Risk Factors

A positive blood test for PFAS does not indicate disease, but rather reflects exposure, researchers emphasized. Clinical outcomes depend on factors including diet, physical activity, and other environmental exposures, according to public health experts. However, certain populations face elevated risks. People living near contaminated sites, firefighters who use PFAS-containing foams, and communities with PFAS-tainted drinking water have higher exposure levels. Dr. Rachel Criswell, a family practice doctor and environmental health researcher in Central Maine, counsels patients with long-term PFAS exposure, according to a report from Children’s Health Defense. The report stated that PFAS can affect nearly every organ system and linger in the body for decades, raising risks of cancer, immune deficiencies, and pregnancy complications. The same article noted that the National Academies have called for robust collaboration between communities, states, and federal agencies to address PFAS exposure.

Reducing Exposure to PFAS

While complete elimination of PFAS from the body is unlikely due to widespread environmental contamination, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using water filters certified to reduce PFAS, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems. Consumers should also consider replacing nonstick cookware with stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic alternatives, especially if pans are scratched or damaged. According to Alden Wicker in her book “The Hidden Toxins in Our Clothes,” PFAS are commonly used in stain-resistant and water-repellent fabrics. She advises consumers to avoid clothing marketed as such when possible, and to decline fabric treatments on new furniture or carpets. Food packaging, including microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, can also contain PFAS. Transferring food to glass or ceramic containers may reduce exposure. These steps can lower overall PFAS burden over time, though not eliminate it.

Conclusion

The research underscores that carrying multiple PFAS is the norm, not the exception. The shift toward mixture-based risk assessment reflects a growing recognition that real-world exposures involve complex combinations of chemicals. Ongoing studies aim to clarify how these combinations affect human health, while regulatory agencies continue to evaluate exposure limits. As the scientific community moves beyond single-chemical analysis, public health officials emphasize the importance of reducing overall chemical burden through informed consumer choices and improved water filtration. The widespread presence of PFAS in the population highlights the need for greater transparency from chemical manufacturers and more effective regulation to protect public health.

References

ANH International. "Pfas the Unfolding Chemical Disaster." June 21, 2023.
Mercola.com. "Beware of Forever Chemicals Causing Cancer to Spread." January 03, 2024.
NaturalNews.com. "Study Forever chemicals speed up AGING in middle aged men." March 02, 2026.
David Michaels. "The Triumph of Doubt."
Alden Wicker. "The Hidden Toxins in Our Clothes Exposing the Chemicals That Are Harmful to Your Health."
Trends-Journal-2024-08-13.
Children's Health Defense. "Maine Doctor Counsels Patients Who Fear Long-Term Exposure to PFAS Chemicals."
Children's Health Defense. "Scientists: U.S. Must Move Quickly on PFAS Testing for People With Elevated Exposures."
Children's Health Defense. "PFAS Chemicals Linked to High Blood Pressure in Some Women, New Research Shows."
NaturalNews.com. "New study finds forever chemicals may weaken your immune system’s defenses." April 16, 2026.
NaturalNews.com. "Researchers Warn PFAS Chemicals Inside Most Americans Contribute to Liver Damage." April 10, 2026.