New Study: Common PFAS Chemicals Alter Gene Activity, Linked to Multiple Diseases
PFAS Chemicals Found to Change Genes -Implications for Disease and Treatment
A new study has revealed that exposure to common PFAS “forever chemicals” can cause changes in gene activity, helping explain how these substances may contribute to diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Researchers analysed blood samples from 300 firefighters with high PFAS exposure and found that several genes and biological pathways, many tied to disease development and defense were impacted.
Importantly, the study linked specific types and structures of PFAS, such as PFOS, to changes in genes associated with cancer risk. Some gene changes were also related to Alzheimer’s, lupus, asthma, and other serious illnesses. While not all PFAS compounds affected genes, the research points to potential pathways through which PFAS interfere with our biology.
The findings are an important step toward pinpointing the mechanisms behind PFAS-linked disease, which could aid in future diagnosis and treatment. Pharmaceutical companies are now exploring drugs that can alter gene activity to prevent or lessen PFAS-related health impacts.
Bottom line: Emerging science is showing PFAS exposure can change the way our genes work, increasing the risk for a broad range of diseases and unlocking new avenues for treatment and prevention.
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Puraffinity is pleased to announce that its G400+ adsorbent media has been certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 standards for Point of Entry (POE) and Water Treatment Plant End Use applications The certifications confirm that G400+ meets the required health effects criteria for materials used in drinking water system components. This milestone enables Puraffinity to support installations where NSF-certified products are required, including municipal drinking water applications. “As a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), I see this certification as an important step for broader municipal adoption, ” said Neal Megonnell, Chief Commercial Officer at Puraffinity. “It enables utilities to deploy our technology where NSF compliance is required, and it strengthens our ability to scale PFAS treatment solutions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.” Designed for highly effective PFAS removal with rapid kinetics, the advanced adsorbent media G400+ supports compact system design and efficient treatment across a wide range of water matrices. Building on this milestone, the company continues to advance water treatment solutions that help utilities and industry address PFAS compliance and protect drinking water quality.
Puraffinity partners with the U.S. Army ERDC to evaluate Puratech G400, an advanced adsorbent for PFAS removal, through lab and field trials comparing its performance and cost-effectiveness to existing PFAS treatment technologies
Puraffinity signs first commercial agreement for full-scale deployment of its PFAS removal technology
An exclusive panel featuring Puraffinity CEO Vincent Caillaud, who will join industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge solutions for combatting PFAS, “forever chemicals”, in drinking water. With PFAS contamination presenting urgent health challenges due to their extreme persistence, mobility, and health impacts at trace levels, this session will spotlight the realities of PFAS in water supplies, the latest science driving regulatory change, and the next generation of removal technologies.
WEFTEC 2025 is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition, held September 27–October 1, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. It gathers over 20,000 water professionals from 100+ countries to explore cutting-edge water technologies, attend technical sessions and workshops, and network with sector leaders. The event features a massive exhibition of advanced solutions, educational opportunities, and speciality pavilions focused on topics like sustainability and digital innovation. Our CEO, Vincent Caillaud , and CCO, Neal Megonnell , will be in attendance.
In the Building World-Class Teams webinar series, Henrik Hagemann and Jessica Middlesmiss will be discussing how to Create Cultures that Scale