PFAS vs Arsenic
EPA limits, health effects, treatment options, and affected U.S. utilities — compared
Quick Answer
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) carries a higher EPA risk classification (high). PFAS affects 0 utilities in our database vs. 190 for Arsenic.
Synthetic Chemicals
PFAS are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals that have been used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.
Heavy Metals
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid found in geological deposits across the western United States, New England, and the Midwest.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | PFAS | Arsenic |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Synthetic Chemicals | Heavy Metals |
| Risk Classification | high | moderate |
| EPA MCL | 4 ppt | 10 ppb |
| Utilities in Violation | 0 | 190 |
| Well Water Risk | Yes — test recommended | Yes — test recommended |
| Primary Sources |
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| Recommended Treatments |
Health Effects Compared
PFAS Health Effects
- Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease and hormonal disruption
- Immune system suppression — reduced vaccine effectiveness
- High cholesterol and cardiovascular effects
- Developmental delays and low birth weight in infants
- Liver damage at high exposure levels
Who is affected: People near military bases (which used PFAS-containing firefighting foam), industrial sites, and communities that have received contaminated biosolid fertilizer face the highest exposure. Infants, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable.
Arsenic Health Effects
- Bladder, lung, and skin cancer — the most well-established associations
- Skin thickening (keratosis) and dark spots with chronic high exposure
- Peripheral neuropathy and cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes association at elevated levels
- Developmental and cognitive effects in children
- Immune system disruption
Who is affected: Rural residents relying on private wells in the western U.S., New England, and parts of the Midwest face the highest risk. Populations in areas with natural arsenic-rich geology (volcanic rock, marine sedimentary deposits) are disproportionately affected.
Filters That Remove Both
These treatment methods are effective against both PFAS and Arsenic:
Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Households with multiple contaminant concerns, PFAS or nitrate issues, or anyone wanting the broadest possible reduction in drinking water contaminants. Also the right choice when you want a single solution verified to address your specific water test results.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Chlorine taste/odor, disinfection byproducts, and general water quality improvement. An NSF/ANSI 53 certified under-sink carbon block filter is an effective and affordable solution for households primarily concerned with chlorine, DBPs, and trace organics.