Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that do not fully break down in the environment or human body, sometimes referred to as forever chemicals. Their chemical properties allow them to reduce friction and resist oil and water and as a result, they have been widely used in industry and consumer products for decades. These commonly found chemicals are used in industrial processes, like metal plating, and in firefighting foams.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Review of Associations shows evidence that there are negative health outcomes with exposure to PFAS chemicals. In October 2021, the EPA announced its “PFAS Strategic Roadmap.” The hope for this plan is that the agency will consider the full life cycle of PFAS, including preventing PFAS from entering the environment, holding polluters accountable, and remediation of contaminated sites.
More information: U.S. EPA