Highest PFAS detections in surface waters in the U.S. 2022, by state

Maryland had the highest number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) detections in surface water samples across selected U.S. states in 2022. There were 134 toxic PFAS detections in Maryland, which included 25 different PFA compounds. The PFAS with the highest number of detections in Maryland were PFOA an PFHxA. Georgia had the second highest number of PFAS detections, with 127.

PFAS are a class of chemicals that are known as forever chemicals because they do not break down naturally. These toxic compounds are linked to a number of health problems, such as cancer, liver problems, and kidney disease.