Is There A Link Between PFAS And Kidney Cancer?

What are PFAS and how do they enter the body?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of human-made chemicals used for their water- and stain-resistant properties. Manufacturers have long applied them in nonstick cookware, food packaging, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that PFAS can linger in the environment for years. One reason is their carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest in organic chemistry.

PFAS enter our daily lives in multiple ways:

• Drinking water: If local water sources are contaminated, PFAS can easily pass into household taps.

• Household products: Common products such as nonstick cookware, stain treatments, or food wrappers may transfer trace amounts into food or directly onto the skin.

• Occupational exposure: Individuals who work at chemical plants or firefighting units can experience regular contact with PFAS, especially through the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

Over time, continual exposure allows PFAS to accumulate in the bloodstream because they break down slowly. Researchers funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) have noted that different PFAS chemicals may have distinct half-lives, but the unifying concern is their persistence in the body and environment.

Why do PFAS accumulate in the kidneys?

The kidneys help maintain fluid balance and filter waste from the blood. Because PFAS often circulate via the bloodstream, the kidneys become a natural site where these chemicals can concentrate. Several PFAS, particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), have appeared in kidney tissue during observational studies. Some toxicologists suggest that the kidney’s filtering role might allow PFAS to linger in renal tissue before excretion.

Researchers at the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have pointed to PFAS’ ability to resist degradation as a key reason they remain in living organisms. The slow breakdown rate can lead to higher concentrations in the kidney over time. This accumulation has garnered concern because the kidney is vulnerable to toxic effects, especially under prolonged chemical stress.

What does the research say about PFAS and kidney cancer?

A number of health agencies and academic institutions have investigated the potential link between PFAS and kidney cancer. Strong correlations emerged in communities with environmental PFAS contamination. For instance, the C8 Science Panel conducted a series of studies in the Mid-Ohio Valley, where PFOA contamination in drinking water was notable. Panel members identified a probable link between PFOA exposure and kidney cancer, although they noted that variations exist across different populations.

Similarly, investigators from the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB) carried out nested case-control studies, such as in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. Findings indicated an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma associated with rising PFOA levels in the blood. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classified PFOA as a possible human carcinogen in 2014, and in 2023, it upgraded PFOA to a human carcinogen. PFOS was labeled as a possible human carcinogen in 2023 as well.

Despite these findings, not all studies produce identical conclusions. Some analyses reported weak associations or no significant link between PFAS and kidney cancer risk under certain exposure scenarios. Scientists emphasize that PFAS come in many forms and that variations in study design, population genetics, and exposure assessment may account for discrepancies. Nonetheless, the general consensus is that some PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS, warrant close scrutiny due to their persistence and potential harmful effects.

Key studies linking PFAS to renal cell carcinoma

Several pivotal studies have shaped the current understanding of PFAS and kidney cancer:

1. C8 Science Panel (2005–2013): During a large-scale investigation in the Mid-Ohio Valley, the panel concluded that PFOA contamination in the local water supply had a probable link to kidney cancer.

2. PLCO Nested Case-Control Study: OEEB investigators measured PFAS in serum samples to identify whether higher levels corresponded with an increased incidence of renal cell carcinoma. Their data suggested that individuals with elevated PFOA exposure had a higher risk of developing kidney cancer over time.

3. IARC Classification (2023): IARC’s decision to classify PFOA as a human carcinogen and PFOS as a possible human carcinogen is grounded in epidemiological research and animal studies, including those focused on kidney-related outcomes.

Other research groups have explored associations between PFAS exposure and different cancers, including testicular and breast malignancies. Yet kidney cancer shows one of the strongest signals, particularly the clear cell subtype of renal cell carcinoma.

What do the EPA, CDC, and NIH say?

Federal agencies have collected substantial data on PFAS over the years. The EPA has launched directives aimed at providing transparent and actionable information about PFAS contamination in drinking water and other sources. The agency has set advisory levels for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water and continues updating guidance based on ongoing findings.

The CDC, through its National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), revealed that a large majority of the general U.S. population carries some level of PFAS in their blood. CDC officials have noted how challenging it is to pinpoint specific health outcomes due to the variety of PFAS compounds in circulation. Still, they generally recommend lowering exposure whenever possible.

Within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and NIEHS fund extensive research on PFAS’ toxicological and epidemiological impacts. Research efforts focus on:

• Determining long-term health outcomes associated with PFAS, including cancer

• Identifying how PFAS accumulate in organs like the kidneys

• Finding ways to reduce exposure and contamination in communities

Multiple research programs, such as the NIEHS Superfund Research Program, also develop practical applications to protect the public from hazardous substances, including PFAS.

Are certain PFAS (like PFOA) more strongly linked to kidney cancer?

Among PFAS, PFOA and PFOS come up most frequently in studies that look at kidney cancer risk. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) upgrade of PFOA in 2023 reflected growing epidemiological evidence that consistent exposure could play a role in kidney tumors. PFOS carries similar concerns, although many studies have produced more robust data on PFOA.

PFOA and PFOS are not the only PFAS in circulation. Substances like perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and others have also been examined. However, a recurring theme in large studies, including the Multiethnic Cohort Study, indicates suggestive associations with kidney cancer might be more pronounced among certain racial or ethnic groups, though broader findings remain inconclusive. Key takeaway: Not all PFAS affect everyone equally, and the variability in how bodies metabolize or retain them complicates the discussion on specific PFAS risk.

How much exposure increases the risk?

There is no single universally accepted threshold at which PFAS exposure undoubtedly leads to kidney cancer. Instead, researchers talk about exposure levels in quartiles or tiers. Prospective studies have found that individuals in the highest quartile of PFOA concentration in their blood sometimes see a meaningful increase in kidney cancer risk compared to those in lower quartiles. In the C8 Science Panel research, elevated PFOA levels were more prevalent in communities where residential water had high contamination.

These relative risk comparisons do not always translate simply into a precise “safe” or “unsafe” limit. Genetics, comorbidities, and environmental factors also matter. Many experts echo that minimizing PFAS exposure in everyday life is the best precaution, especially for those who have reason to believe they have higher-than-average levels in their blood.

Can you test your PFAS blood levels?

We are frequently asked whether people can measure their PFAS levels through a simple blood test. Generally, testing is available through specialized laboratories, though it is not part of routine clinical care. If you suspect that you have had significant PFAS exposure (for example, through contaminated water or occupational hazards), you might consider discussing blood testing with a health professional or contacting a private pfas testing lab.

Knowing your PFAS blood levels could provide helpful information, yet interpreting those results is less straightforward. Even if elevated levels are detected, scientists are still determining exact thresholds that correlate with a specific health risk. With the complexity of PFAS exposure, blood testing serves as just one tool among many to understand potential health implications.

What symptoms should you watch for?

Kidney cancer often lacks pronounced symptoms in early stages, which is why many patients only learn of kidney irregularities during imaging for unrelated health concerns. It is not possible to diagnose kidney cancer based solely on PFAS exposure. Nevertheless, if you have had high PFAS exposure, you may wish to discuss the following symptoms with a healthcare provider:

• Persistent lower back or side pain

• Blood in the urine

• Unexplained fatigue or anemia

• A palpable mass in the abdomen

• Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite

Most of these symptoms can also stem from conditions unrelated to cancer. A doctor may recommend imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to investigate persistent issues. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes for kidney cancer, so regular check-ups may be prudent if you have a known history of significant PFAS exposure.

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

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, and learning of PFAS exposure can add another layer of complexity. If you suspect that PFAS played a role in your health condition, the following steps may help:

1. Seek professional medical advice. Your first priority is to coordinate with oncologists, nephrologists, and other specialists for appropriate treatment and care plans.

2. Document your exposure history. Locations where you lived or worked could be vital in piecing together how long and to what extent you were exposed to PFAS. Keep records of water tests, occupational records, or consumer products you used regularly.

3. Stay informed about ongoing research. Institutions like the NIEHS, NCI, and IARC regularly update guidelines on PFAS. Scientific findings evolve quickly, and new studies may inform your decisions.

4. Consider exploring legal options. Those who developed kidney cancer after documented PFAS exposures may choose to seek legal advice. Companies that produced PFAS or used them in manufacturing processes sometimes face pfas liability claims. Firefighting foam products (AFFF), known to contain PFAS, have been the focus of multi-district litigation involving 3M and DuPont.

5. Request a free case review. If you believe you are eligible for a PFAS lawsuit, you can connect with a legal professional through resources like this page: Legal Claim Assistant PFAS Lawsuit. An attorney can assess whether your situation meets the criteria for pursuing compensation.

We understand how complex this process can feel. Research on PFAS risk continues, and multiple agencies, including the VA, are evaluating PFAS exposure among Veterans. Some Veterans may qualify for expedited benefits for kidney cancer via the PACT Act if they show a link to toxic exposures in military service.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are PFAS only found in firefighting foam?

While firefighting foam, known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), is a major driver of PFAS contamination, these chemicals are also present in products like nonstick cookware, food packaging, and some textiles. Firefighters and airport personnel face higher exposure risks due to repeated handling of AFFF.

How do I lower my exposure to PFAS?

You can start by checking your local drinking water quality. If contamination is suspected, you might consider installing a specialized treatment unit, such as a pfas water filter or does reverse osmosis remove pfas. Avoid using consumer products known to contain PFAS. Some states also publish advisories on safe fish consumption if waterways are contaminated.

Can filtering my water remove PFAS completely?

Certain filters are more effective than others. Activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems can reduce PFAS levels to an extent. While these filters may not eliminate all PFAS, they can significantly lower concentrations. Resources like pfas remediation and pfas monitoring often track effectiveness guidelines.

Which PFAS are considered the most dangerous to kidney health?

PFOA and PFOS have drawn the most scrutiny due to their frequent detection in contaminated sites and their classification by IARC as carcinogenic or possibly carcinogenic to humans. Other PFAS chemicals are under investigation, but fewer long-term studies exist to confirm or rule out harmful effects.

Are there deadlines for filing a PFAS-related kidney cancer claim?

Statutes of limitations vary by state, so it is critical to consult with an attorney soon if you suspect PFAS contributed to your illness. With ongoing multi-district litigation, lawyers can advise on whether you qualify to join existing lawsuits or need to file your own claim.

Is there proven causation between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer?

Studies show strong associations, especially for those with higher PFOA exposure. However, scientific consensus relies on continuing research to clarify definitive causal pathways. Many agencies, including the NIH, emphasize the need for more data but warn that caution is justified given the potential health effects.

What if I live in an area with known contamination but have not been diagnosed with cancer?

Reducing exposure is still advisable. Community members can push for investigations and testing if they suspect contamination, and local authorities often provide testing or health advisories. Check resources like a pfas contamination map to see if your region is on the radar for cleanup or monitoring efforts.