PFAS in Missouri

PFAS in Missouri’s drinking water

Across the state, PFAS are being detected in drinking water systems at levels ranging from below detection to above health advisory thresholds set by the EPA. Although the EPA’s health advisories for PFOA and PFOS are currently non-enforceable, they reflect increasing recognition that even minute concentrations could pose health risks.

Affected areas and water utilities

My review of public utility reports showed that several water systems in Missouri either tested voluntarily for PFAS or did so under EPA-led monitoring initiatives. Missouri American Water, for example, has conducted sampling to assess whether PFOA, PFOS, or similar chemicals exceed the latest federal health advisories. Other municipal utilities have begun sharing PFAS sampling data in their Consumer Confidence Reports, allowing residents to see if their local water supply surpassed the suggested limits.

While contamination levels vary, certain areas downstream from industrial points or near firefighting foam usage are more susceptible. In neighboring states, PFAS contamination often clusters near large airports or military airfields, so I have watched for similar patterns in Missouri.

PFAS sources: Firefighting foam, industry, military facilities

Firefighting foam (AFFF) is one of the most well-documented sources of PFAS water pollution. This foam is frequently used at airports, chemical plants, and oil refineries to extinguish high-heat fires. The Illinois Attorney General’s lawsuits, for instance, illustrate how AFFF use can contaminate groundwater, prompting concerns for Missouri’s airports and industrial sites. According to the research I reviewed, Missouri also has setup sites, including military bases, where AFFF may have been stored or used.

Manufacturing and industrial activities can also release PFAS through disposal processes or wastewater discharges. Data collected by a multi-state workgroup (including 18 states and federal partners) identified industries such as waste disposal, metal finishing, and chemical manufacturing as primary PFAS sources. Their combined findings highlight that without robust source control, PFAS could continually enter the environment even if companies reduce their usage over time.

EPA and Missouri Department of Natural Resources test results

The EPA’s Third Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3), conducted from 2013 to 2015, showed no PFAS sample results above the old 70 parts per trillion (ppt) health advisory level in Missouri. However, new advisories for PFOA and PFOS are now set at levels too small to detect using standard testing. This shift in federal guidance reveals that even low levels of PFAS may warrant action.

The Missouri DNR has launched a workgroup to track federal PFAS research and develop local strategies. Its approach currently relies on EPA guidelines, which include the PFAS Strategic Roadmap focusing on research, restriction, and remediation. State officials report that more rigorous sampling is planned under UCMR 5 to capture current PFAS levels in public water systems.

PFAS in Missouri’s soil and agriculture

PFAS have also been identified in soil, farmland, and agricultural areas, raising concerns about crops and livestock. Because PFAS can persist in water sources and bioaccumulate in plants and animals, agricultural communities may be affected if contaminated water is used for irrigation or livestock.

PFAS in soil and food production

I have reviewed sources indicating that PFAS can remain in soil for extended periods, posing a risk for farmers who rely on local groundwater or surface water. In states like New Mexico, dairy farmers have disposed of thousands of gallons of milk daily due to PFAS contamination, allegedly traced back to firefighting foam. Similar stories have emerged across the U.S., raising questions about whether Missouri’s agricultural sector might face PFAS-related setbacks if contamination levels increase.

Furthermore, packaging used for produce or meat sometimes contains PFAS coatings to repel grease or moisture. Independent tests have discovered PFAS in food wrappers at pastry shops and burger chains. This can create an additional route of exposure, although the most critical concern remains PFAS-laden water or soil directly used for farming.

Risk to crops and animal products

Studies show that certain plants can absorb PFAS from irrigation water or soil. If these chemicals are present in feed, livestock may accumulate PFAS in their tissues, which then travel up the food chain. People in Missouri who consume local produce or meat may inadvertently ingest low levels of these chemicals over time. The University of Missouri, in partnership with state officials, continues to investigate whether PFAS is reaching local food supplies at harmful levels.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

Access to safe water and food is paramount because PFAS exposure carries a range of possible health risks:

• Cancer: Some types of PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, have been associated with higher rates of kidney and testicular cancers.
• Immune disruption: Individuals with elevated PFAS levels may experience a suppressed immune response, which can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and weaken overall immunity.
• Metabolic and endocrine impacts: PFAS have been linked to thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, and other metabolic conditions.
• Developmental risks: Researchers warn that children exposed to PFAS in utero or through childhood might experience developmental or learning difficulties, raising concerns about the long-term impact of these chemicals on developing brains.

Ongoing scientific work continues to parse out the exact correlation between PFAS exposure and disease onset. However, the EPA and other agencies agree that limiting PFAS levels is prudent, especially if contamination sources are identified and can be controlled or remediated.

Diseases linked to PFAS in Missouri

I have found multiple sources connecting PFAS exposure to a broad range of health issues. While each person’s susceptibility varies based on genetics and other environmental factors, experts stress the need for caution when traces of PFAS exceed recommended guidelines.

Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer is among the most noted outcomes linked to chronic PFAS exposure. The Environmental Working Group cites multiple studies suggesting a correlation between PFAS exposure and renal tumors. Individuals who live near industrial discharges or use private wells in affected areas might be more susceptible to these risks.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is another potential consequence. Research has revealed that certain PFAS chemicals can enter and accumulate in reproductive tissues. I have read studies from the National Toxicology Program that highlight how these chemicals might disrupt normal hormone signaling, although more data is needed to confirm the precise mechanisms.

Liver disease

PFAS can strain the liver because these chemicals are not broken down effectively, allowing them to accumulate in bodily tissues. Elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver disease have been reported in populations with higher PFAS exposures. The Missouri DNR has acknowledged that individuals living close to industrial dumping grounds or AFFF training sites should take note of these risks.

Thyroid disorders

Thyroid dysfunction is another known health consequence. People exposed to PFAS over a long period can develop hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism more frequently. This effect is believed to stem from how PFAS can mimic or interfere with certain hormones, affecting the thyroid gland’s normal function.

Reproductive and developmental issues

Developing fetuses and young children risk adverse outcomes from PFAS. Some studies focus on neurological development, learning capabilities, and immune system maturity. High PFAS levels might alter children’s response to vaccines or impede healthy brain growth, though outcomes vary from one individual to another.

How is Missouri responding to PFAS contamination?

In my view, Missouri’s response to PFAS contamination is still unfolding. While some communities actively test and remediate PFAS, others are in a holding pattern, awaiting new federal regulations or further EPA guidance. This patchwork approach can create confusion among residents who want to know whether their water is safe and how they can protect their families.

Missouri DNR monitoring programs

The Missouri DNR has formed a PFAS workgroup within its Division of Environmental Quality. This group monitors emerging science, gathers local data, and reports any findings to stakeholders. For instance, DNR tracks PFAS in Brownfields and defense restoration sites like Fort Leonard Wood Army Training Center and Lambert-St. Louis Air National Guard Base. Agency officials say they expect more detailed sampling results as the EPA’s UCMR 5 program proceeds.

EPA guidance in Missouri

Missouri relies heavily on the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which outlines plans to research, restrict, and remediate these chemicals. As part of the Roadmap, the EPA works with state agencies to identify contaminated sites and compel industries to address PFAS sources at the permit stage. Current health advisory levels for PFOA (0.004 ppt) and PFOS (0.02 ppt) in drinking water are well below standard detection methods, putting added pressure on state and local officials to keep up with evolving science and technology.

Local government responses and public testing

Local governments sometimes coordinate testing efforts when residents express concerns about well water, farmland, or community drinking water systems. Communities near airports, defense sites, or industrial complexes have conducted targeted testing on wells to ascertain whether PFAS levels surpass recommended thresholds. Some municipalities have also proposed installing filtration systems, such as granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis, to reduce PFAS in public supplies.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in Missouri?

As of now, private well owners can hire accredited labs to test water samples for PFAS. Although costs vary, many labs follow EPA-approved methods to analyze water or soil. If I had a private well near a known contamination source—such as an airport, factory, or military training ground—I would consider professional testing. The Missouri DNR website lists certified testing facilities and offers guidance on sample collection procedures.

Because PFAS are detected at extremely low concentrations, results may return as “non-detect” unless the lab offers highly sensitive analysis. Residents sometimes pool resources or pursue community-wide testing arrangements. Municipal or county officials can coordinate with local health departments to organize these efforts.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in Missouri?

If you suspect PFAS contamination on your property or have developed health conditions possibly linked to PFAS exposure, you might qualify for a legal claim. Lawsuits typically require proof of contamination, evidence of direct exposure, and a medical diagnosis that aligns with PFAS-related health issues. For instance, I have read about a farmer forced to dispose of thousands of gallons of milk daily because PFAS-laden firefighting foam allegedly seeped into groundwater. In such a situation, a lawsuit often targets the foam’s manufacturer or the party responsible for the release.

Groundwater contamination cases have emerged in various states, including New Mexico and Illinois. Missouri has also seen increased interest in legal recourse, particularly from residents near defense sites or industrial areas. Some lawsuits focus on property damage, while others address personal injury claims like cancer, immune dysfunction, or thyroid disease. Those who believe they have a valid claim can speak with a specialized attorney for a free case review or consult organizations like Legal Claim Assistant to explore options.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

I understand how overwhelming it can feel to deal with water and soil contamination on your own. Legal Claim Assistant offers to connect you with experienced attorneys who focus on PFAS litigation. If you decide to take legal action, their network can help guide you through each step—from reviewing test data to filing a formal lawsuit. Having reliable support can be critical when tackling the complexities of environmental law and public health guidelines.

To learn more about available legal avenues, you can visit:

• PFAS Lawsuit
• Water Contamination Lawsuit
• DuPont Lawsuit

These resources outline how PFAS cases move forward, what types of damages you can pursue, and the kinds of medical documentation often required.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Missouri residents frequently ask about the scope of PFAS contamination, health risks, and the potential for legal action. I have gathered the most common questions below.