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PFAS in Arkansas
- Last updated: July 16, 2025
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Contributor: nicky

I have spent considerable time examining the ongoing concerns around PFAS Arkansas faces today. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have raised red flags for health agencies, communities, and environmental regulators. These man-made chemicals have been used for decades in industrial processes and common products. Now that we know they stay in the environment and in our bodies for years, the key question for Arkansas residents becomes this: how dangerous are PFAS, and what can be done to address the problem?
In this article, I want to walk through what PFAS are, where they come from, and how they might be affecting Arkansas’s water, land, and public health. I also want to explain how individuals who believe they’ve been harmed by PFAS exposure can seek legal guidance—including how Legal Claim Assistant helps people explore PFAS lawsuit options.
What are PFAS and why are they a concern in Arkansas?
PFAS are a family of synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Because of these traits, they were used in products like non-stick pans, firefighting foam, water-repellent fabrics, and food packaging. Unfortunately, this same resistance means they do not break down easily. Once PFAS enter the environment, they can stay there—and in the human body—for decades.
In Arkansas, concern about PFAS has grown as testing expands and awareness spreads. Several state agencies, including the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, are actively investigating PFAS levels in drinking water systems, soil, and industrial sites. The chemicals have been found near airbases, manufacturing zones, and even in rural areas where biosolids from wastewater plants have been applied to land.
Though Arkansas has not yet seen a settlement on the scale of the 3M case in Minnesota, the state is still confronting PFAS risks in local water systems and beginning to develop response strategies based on EPA guidance and national research.
Where are PFAS found in Arkansas?
PFAS are considered emerging contaminants by state and federal agencies. Testing in Arkansas has already shown PFAS in places like:
Landfills: Older and active landfills may leach PFAS into surrounding soil and groundwater.
Military installations: Firefighting foam used in training exercises on bases like Little Rock Air Force Base is a known source.
Industrial areas: Certain manufacturing facilities use or produce PFAS, and waste from these operations can reach local waterways or land.
Wastewater treatment plants: Biosolids and treated water released into the environment can contain PFAS.
Because PFAS don’t break down easily, even small releases over time can contaminate large areas. Arkansas’s mix of agricultural, military, and industrial sites means PFAS can be found in unexpected places.
PFAS in Arkansas drinking water
The safety of drinking water is a major concern when it comes to PFAS. These chemicals can enter groundwater and surface water supplies that serve homes, schools, and businesses. Municipal water systems and private wells alike may be vulnerable.
Arkansas officials are working with the EPA and other partners to test water systems, especially those near potential contamination sources. Several water providers have taken proactive steps by installing filters, upgrading treatment systems, or issuing public advisories.
Filtering PFAS from water typically requires advanced systems like granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange, or reverse osmosis. These technologies are effective but expensive, often placing a financial burden on small towns or individual homeowners. If you live in Arkansas and suspect your water may be contaminated, you can request testing through certified labs.
If you’ve already experienced medical issues or property damage linked to PFAS, legal help may be available. You can explore PFAS-related water contamination claims or request a free case review through platforms like Legal Claim Assistant.
PFAS in Arkansas soil and agriculture
In Arkansas, agriculture plays a vital role in both the economy and daily life. Unfortunately, PFAS can enter farmland through contaminated water, industrial runoff, or biosolids applied as fertilizer. Once in the soil, PFAS may be absorbed by crops or affect livestock health.
I’ve seen growing concern among Arkansas farmers about irrigation practices and land treated with wastewater sludge. In some areas, testing has revealed PFAS in groundwater used for farming or in soils near manufacturing zones.
Arkansas’s Department of Agriculture is reviewing how PFAS might enter the food system and has been working with other agencies to support soil testing, protect food safety, and inform producers about possible contamination risks.
Health effects of PFAS exposure
PFAS chemicals can build up in the body and cause health issues over time. Even low-level exposure, if it happens repeatedly, may lead to serious medical conditions. According to federal health agencies, long-term exposure to PFAS may be linked to:
Immune system effects
Liver damage and high cholesterol
Fertility issues and low birth weight
Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer
Arkansas residents who live near known PFAS sites or rely on well water may face higher risk. Local health departments advise these individuals to consider water testing and to speak with doctors if they experience unexplained symptoms or have existing conditions that PFAS could worsen.
PFAS-linked diseases in Arkansas
Although every case is different, PFAS exposure has been associated with a few specific diseases across the country, and researchers are watching closely in Arkansas. These include:
Kidney cancer: Some studies have linked PFAS exposure to kidney cancer, especially in communities with long-term contaminated water sources.
Testicular cancer: This form of cancer has also shown up in populations exposed to PFAS through water or air.
Thyroid disorders: PFAS may interfere with thyroid hormone production, leading to underactive or overactive thyroid conditions.
Liver problems and cholesterol changes: Elevated cholesterol and abnormal liver enzyme levels have been observed in PFAS-exposed individuals.
These conditions are under review by public health researchers, and Arkansas may contribute more data as testing expands.
How Arkansas is responding to the PFAS crisis
Arkansas has taken early steps to monitor and understand the PFAS threat. While there’s no statewide settlement fund like in Minnesota, agencies here are relying on federal EPA guidance and funding to begin risk assessments and water system reviews.
Several utilities in Arkansas have voluntarily tested for PFAS and shared results with residents. State agencies are considering future rulemaking around PFAS reporting and disposal.
Community advocacy is also growing. Local groups have started pushing for more transparency, better testing, and medical screening for people living near suspected PFAS sources.
Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in Arkansas?
Yes. Water testing for PFAS is available through certified labs. If you use a private well or live near a known contamination site, testing is highly recommended. Some areas may also offer soil testing services, especially for farmland or properties near landfills, factories, or airfields.
Ask your local health department or an environmental consultant about testing options. If contamination is found, filtration systems or alternative water sources may be necessary.
Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in Arkansas?
You may qualify if:
You live or lived near a landfill, military base, or industrial site known for PFAS use
Your water has tested above health-based PFAS limits
You’ve experienced health issues or financial losses linked to PFAS contamination
Legal Claim Assistant offers a free case review and can connect you with attorneys who specialize in toxic exposure and PFAS litigation.
Why choose Legal Claim Assistant
Navigating PFAS lawsuits can be overwhelming. Legal Claim Assistant helps by evaluating your situation, collecting relevant details, and matching you with law firms that handle PFAS claims. They simplify the legal process and help ensure your case is heard.
If you or your family has been impacted by PFAS in Arkansas, taking action could help recover costs and hold polluters accountable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Check state and EPA databases, or contact your local health department. You can also review your water provider’s annual water quality report.
Yes. Systems using activated carbon, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis can reduce PFAS levels significantly.
Soil testing is recommended. Some crops may absorb PFAS, while others do not. Experts can guide you on safe practices.
The state is conducting testing and following EPA guidance. More policies may be introduced as new data becomes available.
Yes, if you meet certain criteria related to exposure and health impacts. Legal Claim Assistant can help review your case.
You may be able to file a lawsuit if you can demonstrate that PFAS from a specific source caused or contributed to your illness or property harm. Each situation is different, so the best approach is to consult a specialized PFAS attorney. Resources like Legal Claim Assistant can help by connecting you to legal experts for a free case review.
Whether you are testing your well or worrying about possible exposures, you do not have to face PFAS contamination alone. By staying informed and seeking professional guidance, you can protect yourself and your family while supporting broader efforts to reduce contamination throughout West Virginia. If you want to learn how PFAS contamination compares in other regions, you can explore resources like in Virginia and Georgia.
Overview PFAS contamination in the USA
Here you van find the PFAS watercontamination map of the United States. Find, state by state, where water contamination has occurred due to PFAS exposure.
- PFAS in Alabama
- PFAS in Alaska
- PFAS in Arizona
- PFAS in Arkansas
- PFAS in California
- PFAS in Colorado
- PFAS in Connecticut
- PFAS in Delaware
- PFAS in Florida
- PFAS in Georgia
- PFAS in Hawai
- PFAS in Idaho
- PFAS in Illinois
- PFAS in Indiana
- PFAS in Iowa
- PFAS in Kansas
- PFAS in Kentucky
- PFAS in Louisiana
- PFAS in Maine
- PFAS in Maryland
- PFAS in Massachusetts
- PFAS in Michigan
- PFAS in Minnesota
- PFAS in Mississippi
- PFAS in Missouri
- PFAS in Montana
- PFAS in Nebraska
- PFAS in Nevada
- PFAS in New Hampshire
- PFAS in New Jersey
- PFAS in New Mexico
- PFAS in New York
- PFAS in North Carolina
- PFAS in North Dakota
- PFAS in Ohio
- PFAS in Oklahoma
- PFAS in Oregon
- PFAS in Pennsylvania
- PFAS in Rhode Island
- PFAS in South Carolina
- PFAS in South Dakota
- PFAS in Tennessee
- PFAS in Texas
- PFAS in Utah
- PFAS in Vermont
- PFAS in Virginia
- PFAS in Washington
- PFAS in West Virginia
- PFAS in Wisconsin
- PFAS in Wyoming
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