My PFAS Blood Test Results: Frustrated, Determined, and Taking Action

As an ultramarathon runner who eats organic, spends hours in nature, and prioritizes wellness, I was blindsided by my recent PFAS blood test results. The report showed my PFAS levels above the threshold where potential health risks begin, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).

My PFAS summation is 3x the safe concentration

I’m frustrated, but I’m also determined to fight back. Despite my clean lifestyle—running 50-mile races, eating home-cooked organic meals, avoiding nonstick cookware for years, my family filtering our drinking water with a reverse osmosis system, and never getting takeout—these “forever chemicals” have invaded my body. As I process this, I’m grappling with questions: Is it even realistic to eliminate PFAS from my food? What proportion of my diet is contaminated? Are there patterns to predict high-PFAS foods, so I don’t have to test everything? Here’s my plan to tackle this head-on while seeking answers.

The Results: A Wake-Up Call

The test measured nine PFAS compounds in my blood, and the results hit hard. My overall PFAS summation puts me in the range where NASEM warns of potential adverse health effects, especially for sensitive groups. The science links high PFAS levels to issues like decreased antibody response, dyslipidemia, and even increased kidney cancer risk. That’s not a risk I’m willing to accept.

I’ve spent years running through the Rockies, choosing organic food over processed junk, and breathing clean mountain air. We cook almost exclusively at home, avoiding takeout packaging that could leach PFAS. My family is filtering our drinking water with a reverse osmosis system, and I haven’t touched nonstick cookware in ages, opting for cast iron and stainless steel. Yet, these chemicals—used in firefighting foams, stain-resistant fabrics, and more—have still found their way into my system. It’s frustrating to know that PFAS, which persist in the environment and accumulate in our bodies, are so pervasive that even my lifestyle couldn’t shield me. I’m left wondering: When I test a product and it’s safe, can I assume it will always be safe, or do I need to keep testing? But frustration is fuel, and I’m channeling it into action.

My Three-Step Plan to Fight PFAS

I’m not just going to dwell on questions—I’m going to do something about it. My goal is to lower my PFAS levels and share what I learn to help others, especially through my work with Rocky Mountain Clean Scores. Here’s my three-pronged approach, designed to address both my results and my uncertainties:

1. Measuring PFAS in All Foods I Consume

Knowledge is power, but I’m daunted by the scope. I have started discussion with certified labs to test every food I eat—starting with my backyard chicken eggs and garden soil, given studies like the Dutch RIVM report showing elevated PFAS in homegrown eggs. I’ll also test organic produce, meats, and even packaged goods I thought were safe. By identifying which foods contribute to my PFAS load, I can make informed choices. But I’m asking: What proportion of my usual diet has high PFAS levels? Are there patterns—like certain crops or animal products—that can help predict contamination, so I don’t have to test every single product? This isn’t just about me; I’m building a data-driven approach to help others understand their exposure.

2. Cutting Out High-PFAS Foods

Once I know which foods are contaminated, I’ll remove them from my diet. If my eggs show high PFAS, I’ll avoid eggs until I have figured out how to clean up our yard. If certain vegetables are affected by soil contamination, I’ll source from cleaner regions or use raised beds with certified soil. The CDC and FDA note that PFAS can enter the food chain through contaminated water or packaging, so I’ll avoid packaged foods entirely, leaning even harder into our home-cooked meals. But I wonder: Is it even realistic to get rid of excessive PFAS in food, given how widespread these chemicals are? I’m committed to slashing my exposure, but I need to know if this is a winnable fight.

3. Maximizing PFAS Excretion and Protecting My Backyard

PFAS don’t break down easily, but I can support my body’s natural detoxification. I’m researching behavioral changes to boost excretion, like staying hydrated to support kidney function, as PFAS can be excreted through urine. I’ll continue my intense exercise regimen—studies suggest sweating may help eliminate some toxins, though evidence on PFAS is still emerging. I’m also exploring dietary tweaks, like increasing fiber to bind potential toxins in the gut. I’ve long since replaced any suspect gear with PFAS-free alternatives, and our reverse osmosis filter will stay in place. But my backyard is a concern. Is there a practical way to make it PFAS-free? How do I keep out contaminated worms or other vectors that could reintroduce PFAS? I’m determined to create a clean environment for my chickens and garden, but I need practical solutions.

Why This Matters

My results aren’t just numbers—they’re a call to action. PFAS are everywhere, from our food to our environment, and even those of us living “clean” lives aren’t immune. Through Rocky Mountain Clean Scores, I’m determined to empower others to test their own food and environments, especially the 11 million U.S. families with backyard chickens who might be eating contaminated eggs. I’m frustrated that these chemicals have infiltrated my body, but I’m more motivated than ever to fight back. By measuring, eliminating, and detoxifying, I’ll lower my levels and share the playbook, all while seeking answers to my questions.

If you’re as upset as I am, join me. Get your blood tested, check your food, and demand transparency about PFAS in our environment. Together, we can take control. Stay tuned for updates on my progress, insights into my questions, and tips for reducing your own exposure.

My PFAS Test Data

Below are the detailed results from my PFAS blood test, conducted by Quest Diagnostics on April 25, 2025. All measurements are in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), with a desired range of <0.1 ng/mL for each compound unless otherwise noted.

NASEM Recommended Summation: 6.21 ng/mL (Thresholds: <2.0 ng/mL = no expected adverse effects; 2.0–20.0 ng/mL = potential risk, especially for sensitive groups; >20.0 ng/mL = increased risk)

MeFOSAA: Not Detected

PFHxS: 0.94 ng/mL

Linear PFOA (n-PFOA): 1.04 ng/mL

Branched PFOA (Sb-PFOA): Not Detected

PFDA: 0.24 ng/mL

PFUnDA: 0.16 ng/mL

Linear PFOS (n-PFOS): 1.96 ng/mL

Branched PFOS (Sm-PFOS): 1.29 ng/mL

PFNA: 0.14 ng/mL