Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” have made their way into drinking water, consumer products, and even our bodies. With potential health risks tied to exposure, PFAS have become one of the most pressing public health challenges today.

In this episode of The Results Are In from Quest Diagnostics, host Dr Jack Kain speaks with Dr. Sarah Bartock, National Science Director of Drug Monitoring & Toxicology at Quest. Together, they break down what PFAS are, how people are exposed, and the health conditions that have been linked to these chemicals. They also discuss how blood testing—including Quest’s PFAS 9 Panel—can help patients and providers better understand risk and make informed decisions about exposure reduction and health monitoring.

Listeners will also hear about emerging research into possible interventions, the limitations of current testing, and the broader challenges of addressing PFAS in the environment.

Don’t miss this important conversation that connects environmental science, preventive care, and clinical practice.

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Abbreviations used in episode:

NHANES: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 

NASEM: National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine 

References mentioned in episode: 

1. Møller JJ, Lyngberg AC, Hammer PEC, et al.. Substantial decrease of PFAS with anion exchange resin treatment - A clinical cross-over trial. Environ Int. 2024;185:108497. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2024.108497
2. Ducatman A, Luster M, Fletcher T. Perfluoroalkyl substance excretion: Effects of organic anion-inhibiting and resin-binding drugs in a community setting. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2021;85:103650. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2021.103650  
3. Lindell AE, Grießhammer A, Michaelis L, et al. Human gut bacteria bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Nat Microbiol. 2025;10(7):1630-1647.  
4. Dzierlenga MW, Keast DR, Longnecker MP. The concentration of several perfluoroalkyl acids in serum appears to be reduced by dietary fiber. Environ Int. 2021;146:106292. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2020.106292
5. Schlezinger JJ, Biswas K, Garcia A, Heiger-Bernays WJ, Bello D. An oat fiber intervention for reducing PFAS body burden: A pilot study in male C57Bl/6 J mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol.  2025;495:117188. doi:10.1016/j.taap.2024.117188
6. Tian Y, Luan M, Zhang J, Yang H, Wang Y, Chen H. Associations of single and multiple perfluoroalkyl substances exposure with folate among adolescents in NHANES 2007-2010. Chemosphere. 2022;307(Pt 3):135995. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135995
7. Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Wang YX, Sun Y, Agudelo J, et al.. Folate concentrations and serum perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in adolescents and adults in the USA (National Health and Nutrition Examination Study 2003-16): an observational study. Lancet Planet Health. 2023;7(6):e449-e458. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00088-8

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