What Are Forever Chemicals — And Are They in Pittsburgh’s Water?

If you’ve never heard of forever chemicals, now’s the time to pay attention. These invisible threats are showing up in water systems across the country — including right here in Pittsburgh. Known scientifically as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, these man-made chemicals don’t break down easily and can linger in your body and environment for decades. That’s why they’re called “forever” chemicals.

But what exactly are they? Where do they come from? And more importantly, are they in your water?

Lets break it down.

What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?

PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. They were designed to resist water, grease, heat, and oil — which made them incredibly useful, but also incredibly persistent.

You’ll find PFAS in:

• Non-stick cookware (like Teflon pans)

• Water-resistant jackets and outdoor gear

• Stain-resistant carpets and upholstery

• Food packaging, especially fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags

• Firefighting foam (particularly at airports and military bases)

Because of their widespread use and inability to break down, PFAS have made their way into soil, groundwater, rivers, and public water systems. Today, most Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood — and that includes people in the Pittsburgh area.

Are Forever Chemcials (PFAS) in Pittsburgh’s Water?

Yes. PFAS contamination has been detected in several Pennsylvania water systems, including regions in and around Pittsburgh. Although levels vary, and not every home is directly affected, the presence of PFAS in regional water supplies has raised concerns among health professionals, environmental experts, and homeowners.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), parts of Western Pennsylvania have shown PFAS contamination from industrial runoff, firefighting foam use, and aging water infrastructure. While local water authorities continue to monitor PFAS, the EPA now acknowledges that no level of PFAS exposure is considered completely safe, especially with long-term exposure.

Why PFAS Are Dangerous — Even in Tiny Amounts

Even at low concentrations, PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems:

• Hormone disruption that interferes with your body’s natural balance

• Suppressed immune function, making it harder to fight off illness

• High cholesterol, even without dietary factors

• Increased risk of cancers, particularly kidney and testicular cancer

• Developmental issues in infants and children

• Reduced fertility and low birth weight in newborns

And here’s the truly concerning part: you won’t know they’re in your water just by looking, smelling, or tasting it. PFAS are invisible, odorless, and tasteless. The only way to know for sure is through specific water testing.

How PFAS Get Into Your Water

PFAS enter water supplies in a few key ways:

• Industrial runoff from manufacturing sites

• Firefighting foam runoff from airports and fire training facilities

• Contaminated groundwater from landfills or polluted soil

• Municipal treatment systems that are not designed to filter PFAS

Once PFAS are in the water, they’re very difficult to remove. Traditional water treatment plants are not equipped to eliminate these chemicals, which means they can travel straight through to your kitchen faucet.

What You Can Do About It

If you're concerned about forever chemicals in your home’s water, the best first step is to get your water tested.

At Revelation Plumbing, we offer free in-home water quality testing for families across Pittsburgh and surrounding neighborhoods. While PFAS testing requires lab verification, our technicians can identify water characteristics that often indicate chemical contamination — and help you decide whether further lab testing is necessary.

If PFAS or other harmful contaminants are found, we’ll walk you through safe, effective solutions like:

• Reverse osmosis systems to remove up to 99% of PFAS

• Whole-home activated carbon filtration designed to reduce forever chemicals

• Point-of-use filtration options for drinking water, cooking, and baby bottles

We make it easy to get answers — and we never pressure you into a sale.

Final Thoughts: Forever Chemicals Aren’t Going Away on Their Own

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” for a reason. They’re persistent, invisible, and increasingly widespread. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless.

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and want peace of mind about what’s coming out of your faucet, don’t wait.

Schedule your free in-home water quality test today with Revelation Plumbing. You’ll know exactly what’s in your water — and what you can do to protect your health, your family, and your future.