Per- & Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

• 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 exposure and accumulation in the body and environment.
• Exposure can occur directly through man-made products or indirectly as these products move through the ecosystem via solids, liquids, and air.
• Research links certain PFAS to adverse health effects, leading to efforts to limit their use and presence in consumer goods.
• Wastewater treatment plants, landfills, incinerators and drinking water utilities don’t make or use PFAS, so they aren’t sources themselves. However, these systems were not designed to remove PFAS and thus some PFAS will migrate from these treatment systems to the soil, groundwater or air.
• The best way to stop PFAS is to avoid using products that contain PFAS.

City of Rochester

• Collaborating with stakeholders and advocacy groups to gather information and develop solutions.
• Supporting legislation that will result in PFAS reduction and product labeling.
• Surveying all industrial and large commercial customers to identify sources of PFAS and find alternative products.
• Sampling wastewater throughout the sewer collection system at strategic locations to identify the amount of PFAS coming from homes, businesses and industries to prioritize efforts so we can address the largest sources first.
• Sampling the wastewater at WRP and the beneficial reuse byproduct called biosolids.
• Phasing out firefighting foam that contains these chemicals from the Rochester Fire Department and Rochester International Airport operations.

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU)

• Conducted water testing at municipal water supply wells in 2021, 2023 and 2024 to ensure regulated PFAS concentrations remain compliant with federal water quality standards.
• Completing a fourth round of testing for PFAS compounds in all 32 municipal water supply wells in 2025. Testing results will be shared with the community.
• Initiating a study to investigate potential ways to treat drinking water for PFAS if needed in the future.

Olmsted County

• Participating in voluntary and state-mandated PFAS environmental monitoring at the Kalmar Landfill and Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility (OWEF).
• Researching landfill leachate treatment options to minimize PFAS discharge 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.

The most effective way to reduce your exposure and the amount of PFAS in our environment is to reduce the PFAS you bring into your home through common products.

Common Products Known to Contain High Levels of PFAS

Non-Stick Cookware 

Replace traditional non-stick pots and pans with stainless steel, ceramic, stoneware, glass, or cast iron, or choose PFAS-free non-stick options.

Microwave Popcorn Bags

Avoid microwave popcorn bags, which may contain PFAS. Instead, make popcorn on the stove in a PFAS-free pot, or use silicone- or glass microwave-safe containers designed for popcorn.

Single-Use Food Contact Materials

Paper plates and disposable containers can contain PFAS. Instead, use reusable dishes and storage containers.

Food Wrappers and Packaging

Choose groceries with minimal or no packaging when possible. Cut back on fast food or takeout, as wrappers and containers often contain PFAS.

Water-Resistant Cosmetics

Products like mascara, foundation and lipstick that resist moisture may contain PFAS. Look for cosmetics labeled PFAS-free or check ingredient lists carefully. Search Skin Deep (ewg.org/skindeep) to find product information.

Fluorinated Personal Care and Cleaning Products

PFAS may be found in products like shampoo, contact lenses, dental floss and household cleaners. Avoid products with ingredients containing the words “fluoro” or “fluorinated.”

Stain- and Water-Resistant Textiles

Clothing, furniture and carpets treated for stain or water resistance can release PFAS into household dust. Shop for untreated or PFAS-free options and clean regularly, especially in homes with young children. 

Finding PFAS-Free Products

• PFAS-Free Products from PFAS Central
• Alternatives for Products that Contain PFAS 

Discover how to recycle or dispose of items by using Olmsted County’s Waste Wizard.

• Discover how to recycle or dispose of items by using Olmsted County’s Waste Wizard.
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidance on disposal of products containing PFAS.

• MN Department of Health information on PFAS
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency information on PFAS