Study Detects PFAS in 98.8% of 10,566 US Blood Samples
Updated
Updated · Taylor & Francis Newsroom · May 8
Study Detects PFAS in 98.8% of 10,566 US Blood Samples
12 articles · Updated · Taylor & Francis Newsroom · May 8
10,566 serum and plasma samples showed PFAS in 98.8% of cases, with 98.5% containing multiple “forever chemicals,” according to a peer-reviewed US study.
58 chemical combinations appeared in the 13-PFAS panel, and the most common five-chemical mix was found in 2,754 samples, or 26.1%, underscoring that exposure usually comes as mixtures rather than single compounds.
PFHxS was detected in 97.9% of samples, while only 19 samples contained a single PFAS at the reporting threshold, suggesting isolated exposure was rare.
PFAS are used in products from nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics to firefighting foam and medical equipment; because they persist in the environment and body, researchers say the dataset could help shape mixture-based risk assessment and public-health guidance.
How do PFAS, microplastics, and heavy metals create a more toxic chemical cocktail inside our bodies?
With new US and EU bans, are developing countries facing a greater risk from 'forever chemical' pollution?
As legacy 'forever chemicals' are banned, are their replacements just as dangerous to our health?
Near-Universal PFAS Exposure in the US: Health Risks, Regulatory Response, and the Path Forward
Overview
A major study published in April 2026 revealed that nearly everyone in the United States is exposed to PFAS, with 98.8% of over 10,000 blood samples showing detectable levels. This research, using data from NMS Labs, highlights that multiple PFAS compounds often coexist in people's bodies. The findings deepen our understanding of how widespread and combined PFAS exposure could affect human health. The study aims to guide future risk assessments and public health policies, emphasizing the urgent need to address the near-universal presence of these persistent synthetic chemicals in the population.