PFAS, or Per and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances, are chemicals characterized by chains of very strong bonds. Basically, they are near impossible to destroy, especially naturally in water/light/soil (the way many other chemicals break down).
If you’ve used a nonstick pan or a raincoat, you have probably come in contact with PFAS. However, since their invention in 1930, studies have shown severe health implications from the use and ingestion of these chemicals (aka if your nonstick pan starts flaking, toss it ASAP).
Huge efforts are currently being undertaken to develop standards and clean PFAS from known contaminated sites in the US. However, there’s a long way to “clean” as these processes are difficult and time/energy intensive.
Sources & Additional Reading:
USC study links PFAS to liver damage; YSPH scientist contributed to research
PFAS Federal Regulations – Part 3: Recent Actions Affecting Industry Now, Next Year, and Beyond
EPA’s PFAS road map sets 2023 timeline for finalizing hazardous substance designation
Toxic timeline: A brief history of PFAS
WHAT IS NEW IN PFAS: THE NITTY, THE GRITTY, AND THE WEIRD
Synthetic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS linked to liver damage
Study Shows Link Between Synthetic ‘Forever Chemicals’ and Liver Cancer
EPA: ‘Forever Chemicals’ Pose Risk Even at Very Low Levels
