PFAS - What Should You Do As A Consumer?

Consumers in a sensitive subgroup (pregnant or nursing women, infants, and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have a compromised immune system):

• Are advised not to consume, drink, or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above 20 ppt.
• Are advised to use bottled water for drinking and cooking of foods that absorb water (like pasta).
• For infant formula, use bottled water or use formula that does not require adding water. ̶ Bottled water should only be used if it has been tested. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires companies licensed to sell or distribute bottled water or carbonated nonalcoholic beverages to test for PFAS. 

For all other consumers not in a sensitive subgroup:

•  If you are not in a sensitive subgroup, the MassDEP has not stated you shouldn't consume the water.   The 20 ppt value is applicable to a lifetime consuming the water and shorter duration exposures present less risk.
• If you have specific health concerns regarding your past exposure, you should consult a health professional, such as your doctor.

Consider taking the following steps while actions are being implemented to address this issue:

• For older children and adults (not in a sensitive subgroup), the 20 ppt value is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the water. For these groups, shorter duration exposures present less risk. However, if you are concerned about your exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS6 concentration in the drinking water, use of bottled water will reduce your exposure.