What can residents, businesses, and visitors can do to prevent exposure to PFAS?

PFAS are slow to break down in the environment, and therefore are often found in food and the environment (soil, water). It is unlikely that you can avoid all PFAS exposure. However, you can take the following actions to limit your exposure to PFAS:

  • Read product labels and avoid using products that contain PFAS
  • Rinse home-grown produce with water prior to eating
  • If your private (domestic) well drinking water contains PFAS above the MassDEP PFAS6 MCL, consider using a different or treated water source for the following uses:
    • Drinking
    • Food preparation and cooking
    • Brushing teeth
    • Preparing infant formula
    • Filling swimming pools
For more information check out the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry PFAS Fact Sheet: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/docs/pfas_fact_sheet.pdf
FAQ #28 has information on bottled water and private homeowner treatment

Show All Answers

1. What can residents, businesses, and visitors can do to prevent exposure to PFAS?
2. Should I stop growing and eating vegetables using co-compost that may have PFAS?
3. Can I water my plants and garden with PFAS-contaminated water and eat that produce?
4. How can I limit my exposure to PFAS in my garden?
5. What are the PFAS levels in fertilizer and other soil products coming onto the Island?
6. Waste Options Nantucket makes products for beneficial re-use. What are they?
7. Is it safe to shower using domestic well water that contains PFAS?
8. Is it safe for me to bathe my baby using domestic (private) well water that contains PFAS?
9. What can I do as a private well owner to remove PFAS from my water?
10. Am I at risk if I drink or drank water with PFAS above health standards?
11. Is there a way to test my or my family’s blood serum levels for PFAS?