Is There a Connection Between PFAS and Leukemia?

What are PFAS and why are they considered dangerous?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of man-made chemicals valued for their durability and resistance to heat, stains, and water. Common examples include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Both were used in a wide variety of consumer products like nonstick cookware, textile coatings, firefighting foam, and certain food packaging.

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found PFAS in the blood of approximately 97% of Americans (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). One reason PFAS are widespread is that these chemicals can persist in the environment for decades. They neither break down quickly nor simply flush out of the human body. Hazard assessments by the National Toxicology Program suggest that PFOA and PFOS, two of the most well-known PFAS, may suppress immune function and contribute to various health issues.

Recent studies have also led some regulatory bodies to revise their assessments of PFAS. In 2023, a working group upgraded PFOA to the status of a human carcinogen, while PFOS was classified for the first time as a possible human carcinogen. These classifications, although based on evidence specific to particular PFAS types, have fueled concern that other PFAS might pose risks as well.

Individuals looking for a more thorough general background on these substances may consult what is pfas, which explains how they are produced and why they persist in the environment.

How PFAS exposure happens in the body

PFAS exposure typically occurs through contaminated drinking water, ingestion of foods packaged in materials containing PFAS, workplace exposure at PFAS-manufacturing facilities, and contact with house dust that contains PFAS. According to multiple research groups supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, everyday dust from carpets or furniture treated with stain-repellent coatings can expose children and adults to low levels of various PFAS over time.

• Contaminated drinking water: In affected areas, water absorption can be continuous and significant. Many municipalities have discovered PFAS in groundwater, sometimes above recommended advisory levels.

• Food and packaging: Some fast-food wrappers or microwave popcorn bags may contain PFAS. Over time, the chemicals can migrate into the food.

• House dust: Children in particular, who often touch their mouths and spend more time on floors, have an elevated chance of ingesting dust containing PFAS.

• Occupational exposure: People working in PFAS production facilities or industries using firefighting foam may experience greater daily contact.

The compounds’ persistence means they can accumulate in blood and tissues, sometimes leading to elevated serum levels. Researchers continue to explore how these chemicals might interact with immune mechanisms, endocrine function, and cellular processes that underlie cancer development.

What is leukemia and how does it develop?

Leukemia refers to a group of cancers that affect the body’s blood-forming tissues, especially the bone marrow and cells of the immune system. It occurs when abnormal white blood cells begin to proliferate, crowding out healthy cells and impairing the body’s ability to fight infections.

There are several main leukemia subtypes:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): A rapidly progressing form more often seen in children.

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Rapid onset that generally affects older adults.

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A slow-progressing form usually found in older individuals.

• Chronic myeloid leukemia: Typically grows more slowly than acute forms.

Leukemia’s exact causes are not always clear, but established risk factors include genetic changes, exposure to certain chemicals (such as benzene), high-dose radiation, and smoking. Scientists are investigating whether PFAS could act as one such environmental contributor, particularly if it disrupts immune function or triggers genetic aberrations in white blood cells.

Have studies linked PFAS exposure to leukemia?

Recent evidence suggests that PFAS exposure may be linked to leukemia. Although the full extent of the relationship is still under investigation, several studies have drawn notable associations:

• A 2025 publication in the International Journal of Cancer, led by Catherine Metayer at UC Berkeley School of Public Health, explored PFAS exposure in dust samples from households. Researchers observed that children age seven or younger who were exposed to a mixture of eight PFAS had a 60% increased risk of leukemia compared to those with lower exposure (International Journal of Cancer, 2025).

• In the same study, children with the highest levels of N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (EtFOSAA) were more than twice as likely to develop leukemia as children exposed to the lowest studied ranges.

• Ongoing research in Finland is exploring how elevated prenatal PFAS levels might correlate with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in offspring (December 13, 2023 publication). Early results suggest that a precursor chemical to PFOS, N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (MeFOSAA), was present in the blood of pregnant individuals whose children later developed ALL.

While scientists typically differentiate between correlation and causation, these preliminary findings highlight the possibility that PFAS might interfere with normal immune and blood-cell processes, raising leukemia risks. Not every PFAS compound showed the same trend; for example, PFHxS was associated with a reduced leukemia risk in at least one study, and more investigation is needed to clarify why this discrepancy exists.

What do government health agencies say?

Major public-health and regulatory agencies acknowledge that PFAS exposure can pose significant health threats, even as many data gaps remain. These agencies continue to update their guidelines and sponsor additional research.

CDC and ATSDR findings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), produced findings showing that PFAS are present in almost all Americans. The CDC and ATSDR have highlighted immune system suppression, developmental delays, and certain cancers as potential outcomes of PFAS exposure (CDC). Although neither agency currently identifies PFAS as a definitive cause of leukemia, they continue to research potential links.

EPA monitoring efforts

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to monitor PFAS levels in drinking water, issuing health advisories and requiring water systems to test for specific PFAS varieties. The EPA is especially focused on populations living near industrial sites or firefighting-training areas, due to greater risk of contamination. The agency’s aim is to limit exposure through recommended maximum contaminant levels and by examining the treatment technologies that might help eliminate or reduce PFAS in water supplies.

Several communities that have been found to exceed certain advisory thresholds appear on national data charts, some of which are detailed in resources like our pfas contamination map. The map tracks which parts of the country have reported higher PFAS concentrations, a helpful tool if you want to see whether your area is affected.

National toxicology program reviews

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has concluded that specific PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, can be hazardous to immune function, with immunosuppressive effects potentially paving the way for illnesses including certain cancers. In line with these concerns, international organizations like the International Agency for Research on Cancer have also reassessed PFAS. As of 2023, PFOA is recognized as carcinogenic to humans, and PFOS is considered a possible human carcinogen.

Are children more vulnerable to PFAS-linked blood cancers?

Many experts fear that children, especially those under age seven, are more susceptible to immune compromise or genetic disturbances from PFAS. Early-life exposure can come from house dust, contaminated water, and breast milk. Findings from the California Childhood Leukemia Study observed a 60% higher risk of leukemia in children with higher PFAS exposure (International Journal of Cancer, 2025). A separate Finnish study examining prenatal PFAS exposure indicated that elevated levels of certain PFOS precursors in the mother’s blood correlated with higher rates of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.

Additionally, children’s smaller body size and developmental phase may heighten their vulnerability. Researchers note that children are forming immune cells and other critical biological features, so the introduction of potential carcinogens can have a magnified effect. More data are needed to confer conclusive guidelines; however, pediatric health organizations increasingly encourage reducing children’s exposure to chemicals, including PFAS, whenever possible.

Is there a stronger link between PFAS and other cancers?

Some of the earliest PFAS cancer research focused on kidney and testicular cancers, with mixed findings:

• Kidney cancer: Individuals from communities near chemical plants producing PFAS, or with heavily contaminated drinking water, exhibited a higher incidence of kidney cancer. One nested case-control study found strong correlations between elevated perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels and renal cell carcinoma.

• Testicular cancer: Increased risk has also been observed among U.S. Air Force servicemen with high PFOS concentrations in their blood, suggesting a demographic-specific or exposure-level-specific association.

Additional cancer types under investigation include breast, thyroid, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Studies show that certain PFAS may raise the likelihood of these cancers, although the evidence is still developing. For instance, some research indicates that hormone receptor-positive breast cancer might be linked to increased PFOS levels. Potential associations with thyroid cancer and Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin lymphoma are ongoing areas of study. Anyone aiming to explore these conditions further may find it useful to look at supplementary resources, such as pfas and cancer, pfas thyroid cancer, or pfas and non hodgkins lymphoma.

What communities have seen clusters of blood cancers and PFAS?

Communities located near PFAS-production or usage sites appear to have higher rates of PFAS-linked health concerns. For example, surrounding areas of certain chemical-manufacturing plants have recorded elevated levels of PFAS in their drinking water and, subsequently, in residents’ blood. Investigations in these places sometimes show higher incidences of kidney, testicular, and, to a lesser degree, blood cancers like leukemia.

Additionally, military bases where firefighting foam has been used extensively are on the radar of monitoring programs. Firefighters and aviation personnel have reported high PFAS blood levels, prompting concern about either an elevated risk of various cancers or the potential for cluster patterns to arise. Some local community organizations are mapping these hotspots in tandem with official agencies, as seen in the pfas contamination map.

Can PFAS blood levels be measured?

Yes, you can measure PFAS blood levels through specific laboratory tests, though these tests are not part of routine medical checkups. Specialized pfas testing lab services can quantify levels of compounds such as PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and relevant precursors. Individuals interested in testing might consider the following points:

1. Testing purpose: PFAS blood testing is usually done for research, legal, or individual health reasons. For example, you might want to demonstrate your exposure in a lawsuit or simply confirm your levels for peace of mind.

2. Interpretation: Higher PFAS levels do not automatically mean you will develop cancer or other illnesses. However, extremely elevated readings can signal a need for health monitoring.

3. Cost and accessibility: Testing can be relatively expensive and is often not covered by basic insurance. Organizations in PFAS-impacted regions sometimes offer free or subsidized testing.

People who discover they have above-average PFAS in their blood sometimes choose to reduce their exposure by improving water filtration, checking if local water sources are contaminated, and identifying PFAS-free household items. For additional strategies on removing PFAS from water, you can visit how to remove pfas from water.

What to do if you’ve been diagnosed with leukemia and exposed to PFAS

Receiving a leukemia diagnosis can be life-altering. When an individual has a history of high PFAS exposure, they often wonder whether there is any legal or clinical recourse. Here are some steps that may be worth considering:

• Talk to your doctor: Discuss your concerns about PFAS exposure to see if additional screenings or treatments might be worthwhile. Armed with details on your basic health, your medical team can recommend relevant next steps.

• Seek a legal consultation: If you live in an area with confirmed PFAS contamination or if your occupation exposed you to PFAS, you could be eligible for compensation. Coordinating with an experienced attorney may be essential. Our organization can help connect you with a lawyer specialized in environmental hazards.

• Document your exposure and diagnosis: Gather any records of PFAS testing, medical documentation, workplace exposure logs, or receipts for household water filters. This helps create a comprehensive evidence file if you decide to pursue a legal claim.

• Familiarize yourself with PFAS liability frameworks: Ongoing litigation over PFAS contamination has highlighted the legal responsibilities of certain manufacturers and industries. Learning more through resources like pfas liability can clarify the broader context and the steps you can take.

It is equally important to stay updated on new scientific data. As researchers learn more about potential leukemia links, regulatory agencies may issue more definitive guidelines, strengthen advisory limits, or propose specific health screenings for those at greatest risk.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do we know for sure that PFAS cause leukemia?

We do not have definitive proof that PFAS definitively cause leukemia. However, research has identified statistical associations between high PFAS exposure and increased leukemia risk. Larger-scale studies are underway to clarify whether and how PFAS may initiate or accelerate cancer processes.

Which PFAS chemical is most concerning for leukemia risk?

Several studies highlight potential concerns over EtFOSAA, a PFOS precursor, especially for childhood leukemia. Meanwhile, PFOA is classified as carcinogenic for humans, and PFOS is deemed a possible human carcinogen. More research is needed to determine which specific PFAS carry the greatest risk.

Can I remove PFAS from my water supply?

Certain filtration methods, such as granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis units, are more effective than others. If you are considering technology for your home, consult resources like pfas water filter or does reverse osmosis remove pfas to understand potential benefits and drawbacks.

Are children at higher risk of leukemia from PFAS than adults?

Yes. Several studies, including one examining household dust exposure, found children under age seven were 60% more likely to develop leukemia if they were exposed to higher levels of multiple PFAS. Children’s rapid growth and developing immune systems might make them more susceptible.

Is there a national standard for PFAS in drinking water?

The EPA has issued health advisories for certain PFAS, recommending local steps for reducing contamination. Actual enforceable standards vary from state to state. Individuals concerned about their local water can use the pfas in drinking water resource for more details.