PFAS Found at 98 U.S. Locations – Implications for Environmental Testing Labs
In July 2025, new data from ongoing AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) lawsuits revealed the extent of PFAS contamination in the United States. At least 98 unique U.S. sites have been confirmed to contain toxic PFAS chemicals in water supplies, linked directly to firefighting foams used at military bases, airports, and industrial facilities.
The report—based on litigation records, environmental monitoring, and third-party lab testing—has reignited nationwide concerns over PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and raised urgent questions for water testing labs, municipal regulators, and private industries.
What Are PFAS, and Why Are They So Concerning?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware and water-repellent clothing. These compounds are chemically stable and extremely persistent, meaning they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body.
Exposure to PFAS has been associated with:
- Certain cancers
- Liver damage
- Reproductive harm
- Hormonal disruption
- Suppressed immune responses
Because of their persistence and bioaccumulative nature, PFAS exposure—even in small quantities—can become dangerous over time.
The 98-Site Revelation: Where PFAS Has Been Confirmed
The AFFF-related litigation database revealed PFAS water contamination at 98 locations across the country. These sites include:
- Former military bases
- Firefighting training centers
- Commercial airports
- Industrial manufacturing hubs
- Nearby residential areas with groundwater sources
Notably, PFAS contamination at many of these sites exceeded federal and state health advisory limits, particularly for PFOA and PFOS—two of the most toxic and well-studied PFAS compounds.
Among the affected states are:
- California
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Florida
- Colorado
- Texas
- Illinois
- New Jersey
Some of these states have initiated cleanup efforts, while others remain in litigation.
Testing Protocols: Why Most Labs Need to Evolve Fast
1. Sampling Methods Must Be PFAS-Specific
Traditional water sampling equipment may contain fluoropolymers, inadvertently introducing PFAS into samples. To ensure accurate results:
- Use PFAS-free sampling gear (HDPE or polypropylene preferred)
- Follow EPA’s updated Method 533 and Method 537.1 for analysis
- Apply chain-of-custody protocols and field blanks to reduce false positives
2. Advanced Detection Techniques Are a Must
Labs must be equipped with:
- LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry)
- Sensitivity down to parts-per-trillion (ppt)
- Method validation per ISO 17025 standards
Many labs that relied on GC-MS for volatile organics must now invest in more precise detection tools for PFAS testing.
3. Matrix Complexity Requires Specialized Panels
PFAS behaves differently in groundwater, surface water, wastewater, and treated water. A standardized test won’t suffice.
Recommended practice:
- Segment testing protocols based on matrix type
- Include surfactant removal steps before analysis
- Add total organic fluorine (TOF) assessments for broader insight
Implications for Labs Like CMDC
Testing laboratories like CMDC Labs are in a unique position. This PFAS litigation wave is not just a public health issue—it’s a testing responsibility opportunity.
Key areas where labs can make a difference:
- Environmental monitoring for local governments
- Groundwater testing for real estate and construction projects
- Litigation support for legal firms and insurance cases
- Compliance reports for manufacturers and utilities
- Testing for water bottlers and food processors
Why Environmental and Water Testing Labs Should Act Now
- Regulatory Pressure Will Increase
- The EPA’s PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, although delayed, will eventually require all public water systems to test and mitigate PFAS.
- States like California and Michigan are already enforcing stricter standards.
- Legal Liability Is Growing
- Landowners, manufacturers, and municipalities may be sued for negligence or failure to test.
- Labs that offer defensible, certified PFAS testing will be key players in legal proceedings.
- Public Awareness = Market Demand
- Homeowners and businesses are proactively seeking water testing services, especially near known PFAS sites.
- Offering direct-to-consumer PFAS test kits or onsite sampling services could open new revenue channels.
PFAS: A Warning and a Window
The discovery of 98 PFAS-contaminated sites is a wake-up call—but it’s also a window of opportunity for proactive laboratories.
CMDC Labs and others offering environmental compliance, PFAS quantification, and chain-of-custody water sampling will not only support public safety—they’ll secure their place in the next generation of high-impact science services.
What Should Labs Do Immediately?
Audit Your Current Water Testing Capabilities
- Are your instruments calibrated for PFAS?
- Are staff trained in EPA Method 533 and 537.1?
Reach Out to Legal Firms & Municipalities
- Offer your expertise in litigation support testing
- Develop partnerships with attorneys handling AFFF cases
Build PFAS-Specific Panels
- Customize reports for groundwater, wastewater, drinking water
- Include breakdown by PFAS class and compound chain length
Prepare Communication Assets
- Blog posts (like this), FAQs, and sample reports
- Educate clients on what your lab does differently and why it matters
Final Thoughts
From firefighting foams to farmland runoff, PFAS is no longer an emerging issue—it’s a present crisis. With 98 confirmed contamination sites and lawsuits growing, water testing labs must respond with speed, science, and strategy.
CMDC Labs is prepared. Are you?
Verified Sources:
Waterkeeper Alliance – New Analysis Finds PFAS in 98% of Tested U.S. Waterways Across 19 States (June 26, 2025)
Details: Tested waterways downstream of wastewater treatment plants and biosolid sites; PFAS found in 98% of sites, with up to 5,100% contamination spikes https://waterkeeper.org/news/new-analysis-finds-pfas-in-98-of-tested-u-s-waterways-across-19-states/
Great Lakes Now – Report on Waterkeeper’s findings with regional data (June 27, 2025)
Highlights include a Rouge River spike of 44 ppt and Wisconsin Root River detection of multiple PFAS compounds https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/new-report-shows-pfas-contamination-in-98-of-waterways-tested/
WECT (Wilmington NC) – Local article connecting PFAS findings to wastewater treatment plants (July 11, 2025)
Confirms 95% of downstream sites had elevated PFAS compared to upstream locations www.wect.com/2025/07/11/new-study-links-higher-pfas-levels-wastewater-treatment-plants/
U.S. Judicial Panel (MDL 2873) – Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) multidistrict litigation information
Details 10,000+ PFAS-related cases targeting contamination from military, industrial, and firefighting foam use https://www.scd.uscourts.gov/mdl-2873/index.asp
Lawsuit-Information-Center.com – MDL litigation data compressed into a public summary
Confirms selection of contaminated sites and progression of cases involving PFAS water exposure https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/pfas-water-contamination-lawsuit.html
