Study Finds Public PFAS Info Often Lacks Guidance on Mitigation

Researchers analyze top websites for PFAS information and find inconsistent messaging on risks and solutions.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:27am

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the ghostly molecular structure of a water droplet, conceptually representing the unseen danger of PFAS chemicals in drinking water.An X-ray view of the molecular structure of water highlights the invisible threat of PFAS contamination in drinking supplies.Herndon Today

A new study from the University of Wisconsin analyzed the top 98 websites accessed by Google users in the United States searching for information about PFAS in drinking water. The researchers found that while these websites accurately report the severity of PFAS exposure, they often fall short on providing actionable advice to help the public reduce their risk.

Why it matters

PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' have been linked to serious health issues like immune system damage, cancers, pregnancy complications, and liver damage. As public awareness of PFAS contamination grows, it's critical that online sources provide clear, consistent guidance on mitigation strategies to help people protect themselves.

The details

The study found several key issues with how PFAS information is being communicated online. News media outlets accurately report the severity of PFAS risks but provide little actionable advice. Most websites don't prominently feature information on how to reduce PFAS exposure. Language used by news media and nonprofits tends to be anxiety-evoking, contrasting with the more neutral tone of local government and water utility sites. And government websites sometimes bury key data on PFAS contamination levels, making it difficult for the public to access critical information.

  • The study was published on April 7, 2026.

The players

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The institution that conducted the research study on PFAS information online.

Lyn M. van Swol

A professor of communication science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-author of the study.

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What they’re saying

“If people searching for PFAS information are initially confronted with messages that don't strike that balance, they won't continue to seek more information on how to reduce their exposure.”

— Lyn M. van Swol, Professor of Communication Science

What’s next

The study's authors recommend that PFAS communicators use clear, straightforward language about known threats while separately acknowledging uncertainty, and improve their depiction of audience susceptibility levels.

The takeaway

This study highlights the critical need for online sources to provide consistent, actionable guidance to the public on how to mitigate PFAS exposure, rather than just focusing on the risks. Effective PFAS communication requires striking a careful balance between acknowledging the severity of the threat and empowering people with solutions.