Do I need a PFAS, Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) test?
Do you want to understand what chemicals may be accumulating in your body from everyday products? If you're concerned about long-term exposure to environmental toxins from non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, or industrial sources, testing for PFOA can help you understand your current exposure levels.
PFOA testing measures the concentration of Perfluorooctanoic Acid in your blood, one of the most persistent "forever chemicals" that can accumulate in your body over time due to its long biological half-life.
Knowing your PFOA levels can empower you to make informed choices about the products you use and your environment. Understanding your exposure may help you identify where these chemicals enter your life, so you can take meaningful steps towards reducing them. Listen Health includes PFOA testing as part of our comprehensive environmental toxins screening panel, giving you insight into your total chemical load.
What is it?
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is another widely studied legacy PFAS compound used in non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, and industrial fluoropolymer manufacturing. It is one of the most persistent PFAS in human blood and is known for its long biological half-life (estimated 2–4 years).
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Start Testing TodayWhy does it matter?
PFOA exposure has been associated with dyslipidemia, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and cancer risk (notably kidney and testicular). Mechanistically, PFOA disrupts lipid metabolism by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), leading to increased hepatic lipid synthesis and higher plasma cholesterol.
It also induces oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to vascular dysfunction and early atherosclerosis. Chronic PFOA exposure can impair thyroid hormone regulation, elevate uric acid, and influence insulin sensitivity, linking it to both metabolic and cardiovascular disease progression.
Sources of exposure
Non-stick cookware: Especially when damaged or overheated.
Industrial emissions: Contamination of air, soil, and water near manufacturing facilities.
Water and food: Accumulates in fish, meat, and dairy.
Firefighting foams: Used extensively in military and aviation sectors.
Recommendations
Reduce exposure: Replace non-stick pans with stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic alternatives.
Filter drinking water: Reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems are most effective for PFOA.
Dietary intervention: Include antioxidant- and fibre-rich foods that support bile excretion and liver detoxification.
Monitor biomarkers: Track serum cholesterol, uric acid, liver function, and thyroid hormones; re-evaluate exposure after 6–12 months.
References
Woodruff, T. J. (2024). Health effects of fossil fuel–derived endocrine disruptors. The New England Journal of Medicine, 390(10), 922–933. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra2300476
Sunderland, E. M., Hu, X. C., Dassuncao, C., et al. (2019). A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 29(2), 131–147. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1
Pennoyer, E. H., Fillman, T., Heiger-Bernays, W., et al. (2025). Exposure to legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from diet and drinking water in California adults, 2018–2020. Environmental Science & Technology, 59(20), 9896–9906. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.4c11872
Bonato, T., Pal, T., Benna, C., & Di Maria, F. (2025). Contamination of the terrestrial food chain by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related human health risks: A systematic review. The Science of the Total Environment, 961, 178337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178337
Schrenk, D., Bignami, M., Bodin, L., et al. (2020). Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. EFSA Journal, 18(9), e06223. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6223
Poothong, S., Papadopoulou, E., Padilla-Sánchez, J. A., Thomsen, C., & Haug, L. S. (2020). Multiple pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs): From external exposure to human blood. Environment International, 134, 105244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.105244
Jeon, H., Shin, M. Y., Kim, W. Y., et al. (2025). Family-based exposure assessment of legacy and alternative poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) by multiple pathways. The Science of the Total Environment, 969, 178735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178735
Yeoh, C. S. L., Alrazihi, L. A., Wong, S. T., & Wong, S. F. (2025). Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and human health: A review of exposure routes and potential toxicities across the lifespan. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, vgaf172. https://doi.org/10.1093/etojnl/vgaf172
Espartero, J. L., Yamada, M., Ford, J., et al. (2022). Health-related toxicity of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Comparison to legacy PFOS and PFOA. Environmental Research, 212(Pt C), 113431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.113431
Bräunig, J., Baduel, C., Heffernan, A., et al. (2017). Fate and redistribution of perfluoroalkyl acids through AFFF-impacted groundwater.The Science of the Total Environment, 596–597, 360–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.095
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Biomarkers
PFAS, Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)
PFAS, Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)
PFAS, Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS)
Mercury
Lymphocytes
Albumin
AHPRA Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not replace individual medical advice. Always discuss your test results and health concerns with a registered healthcare practitioner.