PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals used in a wide range of industries due to their resistance to water, heat, and grease. PFAS are commonly found in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, firefighting foam, and food packaging. These chemicals are often referred to as "Forever Chemicals" because they do not break down naturally in the environment and can persist for decades.
Today, according to the US EPA, there are over 16,000 PFAS chemicals. Because of their unique chemical properties, all PFAS are persistent and bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in the human body and the environment over time, leading to long-term health risks.
PFAS are pervasive in the environment, making exposure almost unavoidable. Here are the primary ways people come into contact with these harmful chemicals:
PFAS are not only persistent—they are highly toxic. The EPA has classified several types of PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, as likely carcinogens, meaning long-term exposure can lead to cancer. In addition to cancers like kidney and testicular cancer, PFAS exposure has been linked to:
Because these chemicals do not break down in the body, their harmful effects worsen with ongoing exposure.
Chemical giants like DuPont and 3M have known about the toxicity of PFAS since the 1970s but hid these dangers from the public. Only in recent decades have these secrets come to light, prompting litigation and regulatory actions. Today, more than 16,000 different types of PFAS are recognized, and many are linked to severe health conditions like cancer, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol.
The regulation of PFAS is an evolving field, with both federal and state governments stepping up efforts to address contamination.
In April 2024, the EPA introduced Maximum Contamination Levels (MCLs) for six key types of PFAS in drinking water, requiring public water systems to monitor and reduce PFAS levels by 2029. Additionally, PFOA and PFOS have been classified as hazardous substances under the Superfund law, which allows the EPA to hold polluters financially responsible for cleanup costs. While this is a step in the right direction, many PFAS compounds remain unregulated, and private wells are still vulnerable
In July 2024, a multi-billion dollar settlement was reached with DuPont, BASF, 3M, Tyco Fire Products, LP to assist U.S. public water systems dealing with PFAS contamination, specifically from aqueous film-forming foam used in firefighting. This settlement is complex and requires qualifying public water system to adhere to strict deadlines and follow detailed steps, in order to recover compensation for testing and clean-up. If the requirements and deadlines
in the settlement are not met on or before July 1, 2026, the public water system will lose their right to recover any damages.
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