PFAS exposure linked to high blood pressure and cholesterol near Pennsylvania military bases, state study finds

People living near Pennsylvania military bases contaminated with PFAS show higher rates of elevated blood pressure and cholesterol compared to the general population, according to preliminary findings from a state health study released this week. The study examined residents in communities where firefighting foam used at military installations seeped into groundwater supplies.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking PFAS exposure to cardiovascular health problems. State health officials stopped short of recommending widespread medical monitoring, a decision that has frustrated residents who want long-term tracking of potential health effects.

Elevated Cardiovascular Markers in Communities Near Contaminated Sites

Researchers documented statistically significant elevations in blood pressure and cholesterol levels among participants who lived closest to contaminated military sites. The compounds in question entered drinking water through aqueous film-forming foam, a firefighting agent used extensively at military bases for decades.

PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. The CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has identified associations between PFAS exposure and immune system effects, thyroid hormone disruption, and certain cancers.

Residents Push for Long-Term Health Monitoring

At a related public meeting in East Hampton, New York, residents facing similar contamination from a different source voiced frustration with health officials' reluctance to establish monitoring programs. Olivia Baccarat, who was 18 when a fire released PFAS into her community's groundwater, spoke directly to state officials.

"Data also shows that when these compounds are repeatedly consumed over time, their damage to the body can mirror other long-chain PFAS compounds," Baccarat said. "So, to the Department of Health, while medical testing and monitoring may not seem useful to you, I believe that it's crucial for our long-term health. We need an epidemiologist and doctors to guide us moving forward."

She expressed concern that her fertility could be affected by years of exposure.

State Officials Say Data Requires Further Analysis

Dr. Gary Ginsberg, director of the New York State Center for Environmental Health, attempted to address concerns at the East Hampton meeting, explaining that the specific compound found in that community's water, perfluoropropionic acid (PFPrA), leaves the body more quickly than longer-chain PFAS compounds.

State officials in both Pennsylvania and New York have emphasized that the preliminary data requires further analysis before they can recommend specific medical interventions. This cautious approach has created tension with affected communities who feel they are being asked to wait while living with uncertainty about their health.

Military Bases and Industrial Sites Show Similar Contamination Nationwide

The Pennsylvania findings emerge alongside similar discoveries at military installations and industrial sites nationwide. A recent study found that the Delaware River Basin, which supplies drinking water to 13 million people across four states, has become a global hotspot for PFAS contamination.

Private well owners face particular risk because no federal law requires testing. The EPA's current PFAS limits apply only to public water systems, leaving millions of households without regulatory protection or notification requirements.

What This Means for You

If you live near a military base or industrial site:

• Request your water utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report and look specifically for PFAS testing results. If none are listed, contact the utility directly.
• Private well owners should test their water through a state-certified lab. Standard well tests do not include PFAS.
• Document your residence history near contaminated sites. This information may be relevant for future health monitoring programs if they are established.

For general preparedness:

• Point-of-use filtration certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce PFAS levels at the tap while you await test results or utility action.

Filtration Options for PFAS Contamination

PFAS compounds are too small for standard carbon filters to capture effectively. Two technologies have demonstrated consistent removal: reverse osmosis and specialized activated carbon block filters. Reverse osmosis systems certified to NSF/ANSI 58 push water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks PFAS molecules, typically achieving 90% or greater reduction.

For households concerned about both long-chain and short-chain PFAS, reverse osmosis remains the most effective option. Under-sink systems provide filtered water at a single tap, while whole-house systems treat all water entering the home. Our guide to the best reverse osmosis systems for home use compares certified models across price points and installation types.

Activated carbon filters can reduce some PFAS compounds but vary widely in effectiveness. Look for filters specifically certified for PFAS removal under NSF P473, which tests for both long-chain and short-chain compounds. WWR's water filtration system guide breaks down which certifications apply to PFAS versus other contaminant categories.