Scientists uncover new evidence linking gut bacteria to PFAS accumulation

Forever chemicals—also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—are everywhere. Found in non-stick cookware, food wrappers, water-resistant clothing, and even drinking water, these synthetic chemicals are incredibly hard to break down, which is why they’ve earned the name “forever.”

Now, a surprising new discovery has added another layer to the story: researchers have identified certain types of human gut bacteria that can absorb and store PFAS chemicals inside their cells.

This emerging research could have major implications for how we understand the health risks of PFAS exposure—and how the gut microbiome might play a role in detoxification or long-term storage.

In this post, we’ll explain:

What PFAS chemicals are and why they matter
What scientists have discovered about gut bacteria and PFAS
What this means for your health
What’s next in this fascinating area of research

What Are Forever Chemicals?

PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of products. They resist heat, grease, oil, and water—making them ideal for everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam.

But there’s a catch: PFAS don’t break down easily in the environment or in the body. Instead, they build up over time, and many have been linked to serious health concerns, including:

Hormonal disruption
Immune system changes
Certain cancers
Liver damage
Developmental effects in children

They’ve been found in soil, drinking water, animals, and even the blood of 97% of Americans, according to the CDC.

The New Discovery: Gut Bacteria Can Store PFAS

In a 2024 laboratory study, researchers discovered that some species of human gut bacteria can absorb and trap PFAS chemicals inside their cells.

The findings showed that:

Certain bacteria in the human colon could take up PFAS compounds from their environment (in this case, the simulated gut)
Once absorbed, the PFAS remained inside the bacteria, unable to escape or break down
These bacteria essentially became tiny reservoirs of forever chemicals in the gut

One of the most notable bacteria involved was Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a common species linked to gut health and inflammation control.

Why Does This Matter?

This discovery opens up a completely new understanding of how PFAS interact with the human body.

1. New Route for PFAS Exposure

Traditionally, we think of PFAS being filtered by the liver and kidneys and eventually excreted. But if gut bacteria are absorbing and storing them, they might linger in the gut for much longer than we thought.

2. Potential Health Effects

It’s still unclear what storing PFAS does to gut bacteria—but some experts worry it could:

Disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome
Interfere with digestion or immunity
Allow PFAS to be re-released later into the body

3. Opportunities for Removal

On the flip side, this could open the door to microbiome-based treatments for removing PFAS. If we can identify bacteria that safely absorb PFAS, maybe we can find a way to flush them out together.

Which Gut Bacteria Were Involved?

The study identified several common gut microbes involved in PFAS absorption:

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
Bacteroides species
Escherichia coli
Lactobacillus strains (less reactive)

Some of these are considered beneficial bacteria, which makes the discovery even more complex. These microbes might help or hurt depending on how PFAS affects their function.

What Researchers Still Don’t Know

This is a new and growing field of study, and there are still many unanswered questions:

What happens to the PFAS once stored in the bacteria?
Do the bacteria eventually die and release the chemicals again?
Can this affect metabolism, gut health, or immune function?
Could probiotics be engineered to help eliminate PFAS?

Clinical studies in humans are still needed to confirm how this plays out in real life—not just in the lab.

What You Can Do Now

While science works on better solutions, here are some ways to reduce your PFAS exposure at home:

Filter Your Drinking Water

Use a certified carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Check if your local water supply is affected by PFAS.

Choose Safer Cookware

Avoid non-stick pans labeled with PTFE or Teflon. Opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic.

Be Smart with Food Packaging

Minimize takeout or fast food that comes in grease-resistant wrappers (which often contain PFAS).

Check Personal Care Products

Some cosmetics, especially waterproof makeup, contain PFAS. Look for “PFAS-free” labels.

The Bigger Picture

The discovery that gut bacteria can absorb forever chemicals adds a new layer of complexity to both microbiome science and environmental health.

It underscores how deeply interconnected our bodies are with the environment—and how important it is to understand the role of gut health in toxin exposure.

As research continues, this knowledge may someday help us develop ways to use the microbiome to protect us from harmful chemicals—or at least limit their damage.