PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, man-made chemicals in products like food packaging, textiles, cleaners, and cosmetics. PFAS are highly persistent chemicals that don’t break down easily, leading to long-term accumulation in the body and environment, which can result in harmful health effects. PFAS can enter the human body through various exposure to these products, including through consumption, interactions, or breathing air contaminated by PFAS. 

What is Olmsted County doing about PFAS?

  • Participating in voluntary and state-mandated PFAS environmental monitoring at the Kalmar Landfill and Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility (OWEF).
  • Researching landfill leachate treatment opportunities to minimize delivery of PFAS to the Rochester Water Reclamation Plant.
  • Working with both public and private solid waste organizations to research, develop guidance, and provide information-sharing to understand and mitigate the presence of PFAS in the waste stream.
  • Supporting legislation that will reduce the use of PFAS in consumer and industrial products.

All municipal and community water systems monitored for PFAS in Olmsted County by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are considered safe for all people to consume. More details are available on this MDH interactive map. 

What can residents do to reduce exposure to PFAS?

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) says that PFAS exposure can occur by: 

  • Drinking water from PFAS-contaminated municipal sources or private wells.
  • Eating fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS (PFOS, in particular).
  • Accidentally swallowing or breathing contaminated soil or dust.
  • Eating food (meat, dairy, and vegetables) produced near places where PFAS were used or made.
  • Eating food packaged in material that contains PFAS.
  • Accidentally swallowing residue or dust from consumer products containing PFAS, such as stain-resistant carpeting and water-repellent clothing.

Ingesting residue and dust from consumer products that contain PFAS is another way people are exposed to PFAS. Some products that might contain PFAS include:

  • Stain-resistant carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.
  • Water-resistant clothing.
  • Cleaning products.
  • Personal care products and cosmetics (such as shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup).

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends several steps to reduce exposure to PFAS. See the PFAS and Health page on the MDH website for more information. 

Where can I find more information about PFAS?

Find more information about PFAS on the following websites: 

City of Rochester website – PFAS page

Olmsted County Healthy Homes site (scroll to Contaminants in Drinking Water section)

Minnesota Department of Health website:

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
PFAS and Health  
PFAS and Products
PFAS and Private Wells
PFAS Sites in Minnesota
PFAS and Fish
PFAS Testing of Public Water Systems
PFAS and Home Treatment of Water
History of PFAS