PFAS Detected In Paint Booth Overspray Filters In Auto Body Shops

Water Contamination Lawsuit News

Recent testing shows paint booth filters in auto body shops can capture PFAS-laden particles, creating a new pathway for environmental contamination

Thursday, December 18, 2025 - Auto body shops are known for fixing dents and restoring finishes, but new findings suggest these everyday workplaces may also be collecting harmful chemicals in unexpected ways. Many automotive paints, clear coats, and surface treatments contain fluorinated additives that improve durability, smoothness, and resistance to stains. During spraying, a portion of these coatings does not land on vehicles and instead becomes overspray, which is trapped by booth filters designed to protect workers and indoor air. Testing now shows that these overspray filters can accumulate PFAS over time. For communities already concerned about a PFAS water cancer lawsuit or researching whether a PFAS water cancer lawyer is needed, this discovery adds another layer to how contamination can begin upstream. Once filters are removed, they are often handled as regular solid waste, stored temporarily, or disposed of in landfills. Rainwater passing through waste sites can carry PFAS out of these filters and into soil, stormwater, or groundwater. Some shops also rinse booths and floors, sending wash water into drains that connect to municipal systems. While each shop may seem small, thousands of facilities nationwide perform similar work daily. Together, they may form a network of low-level PFAS release that is difficult to detect but persistent. As awareness grows, regulators and communities are starting to ask whether these filters are quietly becoming another contributor to long-term water contamination.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are highly persistent chemicals that resist heat, friction, and degradation, which is why they are often used in industrial coatings and paints. The agency has reported that PFAS can bind to airborne particles and settle into filtration media, including industrial air filters. Studies of waste materials from paint operations have identified measurable PFAS levels in used overspray filters and booth residues. Once removed from service, these filters may be compacted, transported, or stored without special containment, allowing chemicals to migrate when exposed to moisture. Wastewater treatment systems are not designed to remove PFAS, so any wash water generated during booth cleaning can carry these compounds directly into public sewer systems. Environmental scientists note that auto body shops are often located in commercial corridors near residential neighborhoods, increasing the likelihood that local groundwater or surface water could be affected. In some regions, older stormwater infrastructure allows runoff to bypass treatment entirely. As monitoring expands, environmental agencies are beginning to include smaller industrial sources in their assessments, recognizing that cumulative inputs from many sites can rival larger, well-known sources of contamination.

Discovery of PFAS in paint booth overspray filters may prompt changes across the auto repair industry. Shops could be encouraged to review the chemical composition of paints and coatings they use and consider PFAS-free alternatives that are already entering the market. Improved handling and disposal practices for used filters may also reduce the risk of chemicals escaping into the environment. Some facilities are exploring sealed containers or specialized waste services for filter disposal. Regulators may eventually update guidelines to classify overspray filters as materials requiring additional oversight, especially in areas with vulnerable water supplies.

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