Which Is Worse in Water: PFAS or Microplastics?

Legally Reviewed
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by Tort Defenders’ writers and staff and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney.

Concerns about microplastics and forever chemicals in our water supply have become more prominent as we’ve made more alarming discoveries about their ubiquity. Studies have found that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water contains one or more per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals.” 

Additionally, it’s estimated that up to 83% of tap water worldwide contains microplastics. These alarming statistics have helped increase public awareness of microplastics and forever chemicals in water. This has also led more people to fight for and win compensation from those responsible for harmful chemical exposure. 

Over recent years, numerous high-profile legal cases related to PFAS contamination have been filed, including the ongoing firefighting foam lawsuits against major chemical manufacturers like DuPont and 3M, which are currently being consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL). 

Through this process, individual plaintiffs can retain their claims and seek fair compensation that reflects their unique situations. If you worked with firefighting foam and are experiencing any signs or symptoms of AFFF exposure — including respiratory problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, and skin irritation — you should see a physician promptly to confirm. 

Firefighters, navy veterans, and other military personnel are at particularly high risk for AFFF exposure, as the Department of Defense has utilized AFFF since the 1960s. If you wish to file a lawsuit for AFFF exposure in the Navy or any other branch of the military, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits as well as compensation from AFFF manufacturers. 

PFAS in Water 

PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds that resist degradation, leading to their persistence in the environment. PFAS can enter water supplies in a variety of ways, such as by leaking from landfills into groundwater or contaminating nearby soil and water when products that contain them (such as firefighting foam) are spilled on the ground. 

These chemicals can also be released into the water supply from industrial sites and sewage or wastewater treatment plants. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency announced new regulations establishing maximum safe levels for different types of PFAS in drinking water. Public water systems that exceed these levels will be required to implement solutions for reduction.  

Health Effects  

Exposure to PFAS in water can potentially cause a variety of short and long-term health effects. These may vary depending on the length of exposure and the concentration of forever chemicals in the water. The most common health effects associated with PFAS exposure include: 

• Increased risk of kidney, testicular, prostate, and breast cancer;
• Decreased fertility;
• Reduced immune response;
• Increased cholesterol; 
• Hormone disruption; 
• Low birth weight in pregnant women.

If you’re dealing with some or all of these symptoms and believe they may be related to PFAS exposure, it’s critical to seek medical care and research your options for obtaining compensation.

Microplastics in Water 

The term microplastics refers to small pieces of plastic that are less than five millimeters in length. Microplastics are more commonly found in bottled water, but they can enter water supplies through surface runoff, via wastewater, or from plastic debris found in water treatment plants and distribution systems. 

They can also enter the water through plastic tire dust, which can be dispersed by rainfall and road runoff. Currently, there are no regulations for acceptable levels of microplastics in water, as scientists are still unsure about the health risks of microplastic exposure. Research has shown that tap water contains about 5.5 plastic particles per liter, while bottled water contains a staggering 325 plastic particles per liter.     

Health Effects  

There’s not much concrete knowledge about the health impacts of microplastics in water. However, microplastic exposure has been linked to several serious health risks. The health problems most commonly associated with microplastics include:  

• Increased cancer risk;
• Hormone disruptions; 
• Endocrine disruption;
• Insulin resistance;
• Respiratory issues.

In many ways, the long-term effects of microplastics on public health are still unclear. We’re likely to make more discoveries about the risks of exposure to microplastics in the future, but you can protect your health by seeking medical care promptly if you believe you have serious health issues related to microplastic exposure. 

Major Differences 

Microplastics and PFAS are both potentially harmful contaminants that are alarmingly common in drinking water. However, they pose different risks to public health and must be handled differently when found in water. The most notable differences between PFAS and microplastics and water include: 

• They have different chemical makeups: PFAS are synthetic chemicals developed and used for specific purposes, while microplastics are small pieces that break off of larger plastic debris. 
• They come from different sources: PFAS contamination is often associated with industrial sites and certain consumer products, leading to localized pollution sources, whereas microplastics can originate from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris and wastewater treatment processes, making them more ubiquitous in aquatic environments. 
• They are regulated differently: Regulatory frameworks for PFAS are increasingly being established to safeguard public health, whereas microplastics remain largely unregulated, presenting a challenge in addressing their environmental impact despite growing awareness and research on the issue.
• They affect our health in different ways: PFAS are known to bioaccumulate in human and animal tissues, leading to long-term health issues such as cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption, while microplastics primarily affect our health through chemical and physical pathways.

Understanding the different risks posed by microplastics and PFAS will help us develop more effective solutions to reduce the levels of these contaminants in our water supply and combat their impacts on public health.   

Major Similarities 

While PFAS and microplastics originate from different sources and possess distinct chemical properties, there are some striking similarities. The most notable similarities between PFAS and microplastics include:  

• Environmental persistence: Both PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and microplastics are persistent environmental pollutants that don’t break down easily, leading to long-term contamination.

• Prevalence: PFAS and microplastics have been detected in various water sources, including drinking water, highlighting their widespread prevalence and potential for exposure to humans.
• Bioaccumulation: Both PFAS and microplastics can accumulate in living organisms, potentially leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification through the food chain, posing risks to wildlife and human health.

Microplastics and PFAS are both common in our water supply, and their combined presence is significantly more harmful. By understanding the similarities between how these substances enter water supplies and affect our bodies, we can better protect ourselves from both contaminants. 

Strategies for Reducing Exposure 

Microplastics and PFAS are everywhere — and it might be impossible to avoid them completely — but you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family by reducing your risk of exposure. There are several key considerations for avoiding exposure to microplastics and PFAS:  

• Avoid bottled water: Research has shown that bottled water contains significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than tap water. 
• Filter tap water: Filter tap water with a high-quality water filter certified to reduce PFAS contaminants and avoid drinking from plastic bottles.
• Limit processed foods: Choose fresh or frozen foods instead of packaged or processed items, as processed food consumption has been linked with increased levels of phthalate microplastics in the body.
• Ditch the Tupperware: Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for food storage and cooking, as these materials do not leach harmful chemicals like some plastics.
• Eat at home: Limit consumption of fast foods and takeout, which often use packaging that may contain PFAS and microplastics, and opt for home-cooked meals instead.

While we still have a lot to learn about microplastics, there’s currently more scientific evidence of the harm done by PFAS. However, this may change as we continue to research the effects of microplastic exposure. Additionally, the combined presence of PFAS and microplastics in water can pose a significantly greater danger than either substance by itself, so we must address both issues. 

Reducing the level of PFAS and microplastics in our water supply will take time, but victims of PFAS exposure may be able to obtain compensation for their pain and suffering. If you believe you have an AFFF or PFAS cancer claim, you should contact a lawyer. Experienced lawyers can evaluate the strength of your case and help determine how much you can win in an AFFF lawsuit settlement.