Forever Chemicals' Impact: Early PFAS Exposure May Reduce Future Economic Succes
Early exposure to PFAS "forever chemicals" may impact future economic success, according to new research. Children raised near military bases with firefighting training areas, where PFAS-laden foam was used, earned about 1.7% less on average and had slightly lower college graduation rates as adults compared to those living near bases without such training sites. The study also found lower birth weights among the exposed population, a factor associated with reduced economic success later in life.
The research, conducted by Iowa State University and the US Census Bureau, examined data from children born between 1969 and 1989. Those born between 1981 and 1988 who lived near firefighting training areas earned about $1,000 less per person on average in today's dollars. The effects were more pronounced for those born later in the study period, likely due to increasing PFAS contamination over time.
While the study does not definitively prove causation or explain the mechanisms behind these associations, it highlights the potential long-term consequences of exposure to novel chemicals with unknown health risks. PFAS, used in various products for their water and stain-resistant properties, have been linked to numerous health issues, including cancer, kidney disease, and developmental problems. The findings underscore the need for careful scrutiny of chemical safety and further research into the long-term impacts of environmental exposures.
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