What Are PFAS Chemicals? Understanding the “Forever Chemical” Threat

PFAS chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of synthetic compounds widely used in various consumer products and industrial applications for their unique water- and grease-resistant properties. There are thousands of other PFAS chemicals beyond the most commonly discussed ones, many of which are not yet regulated or fully understood.

Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS molecules are highly persistent in the environment and the human body, meaning they do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. PFAS have been found in the environment and in human blood, highlighting their widespread presence.

This persistence has raised significant concerns about PFAS contamination in drinking water, surface water, and soil, leading to widespread environmental contamination and potential human health risks. PFAS manufacturers play a key role in the production and release of these chemicals, which has prompted increasing regulatory attention.

Understanding PFAS Chemicals and Their Uses

PFAS compounds have been utilized in many products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam (specifically aqueous film forming foam or AFFF), and grease-resistant materials. Their ability to repel water and oil makes them valuable for industrial processes and consumer goods alike. However, this same chemical stability that makes PFAS so useful also means they remain in the environment and human body for extended periods, contributing to ongoing exposure.

Certain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are among the most studied and regulated due to their prevalence and documented health effects. These six PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, have drawn particular attention due to their prevalence and documented health effects.

Sources of Exposure to PFAS

PFAS contamination can enter our lives through a surprising number of sources. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified drinking water as a major route of exposure, with PFAS detected in water supplies across the country. These forever chemicals can leach into drinking water from industrial sites, landfills, and the use of firefighting foam, especially near airports and military bases. But water isn’t the only concern—PFAS are also found in food packaging, non-stick cookware, and a wide range of consumer products, making exposure to PFAS a daily reality for many people. The widespread use of PFAS in these items increases the risk of health risks associated with these persistent chemicals, as they can migrate into food, water, and even the air we breathe.

Consumer Products Containing PFAS

Many everyday consumer products contain PFAS, valued for their ability to make items stain-resistant, grease resistant, and water-resistant. Non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, waterproof clothing, and even some personal care products may all contain these toxic chemicals. While these features are convenient, they come at a cost: PFAS contamination from these products can contribute to harmful chemicals entering our bodies and the environment. As awareness grows, some companies are introducing PFAS-free alternatives, but the lack of clear labeling and regulation can make it difficult for consumers to identify truly PFAS free products. The EPA is working to address PFAS in consumer goods by proposing new regulations and issuing guidelines to help reduce exposure and protect drinking water from further contamination.

Environmental and Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals occurs primarily through contaminated drinking water, consumption of fish tissue, and contact with PFAS-containing products. Because these toxic chemicals persist in water supplies and the environment, they pose significant environmental risks and potential human health impacts. Harmful PFAS can bioaccumulate in fish and shellfish, moving through the food web and increasing risks to human consumption. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified PFAS as hazardous substances due to their association with adverse health outcomes.

Health risks linked to PFAS exposure include hormone disruption, immune system suppression, thyroid disease, and possibly carcinogenic effects. Studies have shown that PFAS can accumulate in the human body, including breast milk, raising concerns about long-term health problems, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. Human consumption of contaminated food, particularly fish and shellfish, is a significant route of exposure.

Environmental Persistence and Bioaccumulation

One of the most troubling aspects of PFAS is their environmental persistence and tendency to bioaccumulate. The unique structure of PFAS molecules, with their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, makes them extremely resistant to breaking down in nature. As a result, PFAS can remain in soil, water, and air for decades, leading to ongoing exposure and widespread environmental contamination. When animals or humans ingest PFAS—whether through water, food, or other means—these chemicals can accumulate in the body over time. This bioaccumulation is linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including immune system suppression, hormone disruption, and potentially carcinogenic effects. Because PFAS remain in the environment and living organisms for so long, it is crucial to develop effective ways to remove PFAS and prevent further contamination.

PFAS Contamination in Water Supplies

One of the most pressing issues related to PFAS is their widespread occurrence in drinking water supplies. PFAS contamination has been found in tap water, private wells, and surface water across the United States, leading to increased public health concerns. PFAS contaminated water poses significant risks to communities, as exposure through drinking water is a major route for these hazardous chemicals to enter the human body. The persistence of PFAS in water supplies means these harmful chemicals can remain long after initial releases, such as those from firefighting foam use or industrial discharges.

The EPA has developed methods for PFAS testing and analysis, including the EPA Method 537.1, to measure PFAS levels in water samples. PFAS analysis often utilizes advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and EPA Method 1633 to detect and quantify PFAS compounds in various water matrices. These tests help identify the extent of PFAS pollution and guide efforts to address PFAS contamination effectively.

In areas with known PFAS contamination, some people choose bottled water as a precaution to reduce exposure and ensure water safety.

Occupational Exposure to PFAS

Certain jobs carry a higher risk of exposure to PFAS, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, firefighting, and construction. Workers may come into contact with PFAS through inhalation of dust or fumes, skin contact with PFAS-containing materials, or accidental ingestion. This occupational exposure can increase the risk of health effects, including those related to immune system function and hormone balance. The EPA has issued guidelines to help protect workers, recommending the use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls to minimize exposure to PFAS. However, ongoing research is needed to fully understand the health risks and to develop even more effective strategies for safeguarding workers from these persistent chemicals.

Cost of Cleaning Up PFAS Contamination

Addressing PFAS contamination comes with a hefty price tag. The cost of cleaning up PFAS from drinking water, soil, and groundwater can reach into the billions, as communities and government agencies work to remove these harmful chemicals from the environment. The EPA has dedicated funds to PFAS cleanup and remediation, but the scale of the problem means that more resources are needed to fully address the issue. Cleanup efforts include advanced water treatment technologies, safe disposal of PFAS containing products, and long-term monitoring of affected sites. Beyond environmental cleanup, the health effects of PFAS exposure—such as medical treatment for related illnesses and lost productivity—add to the overall cost. Government agencies continue to develop strategies to manage PFAS contamination and protect public health, but the challenge remains significant due to the widespread occurrence and persistence of these toxic substances.

Regulatory Efforts and Proposed Solutions

Government agencies, including the EPA and the federal government, have been working to address PFAS contamination through proposed regulations and enforcement of legally enforceable levels under laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act. These regulations aim to limit PFAS releases, reduce exposure, and protect public health.

Efforts to remove PFAS from water supplies often involve advanced treatment technologies such as activated carbon filtration, which can reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. However, completely destroying PFAS remains a challenge due to their chemical stability, though new technologies are being developed to destroy PFAS at water treatment facilities.

Reducing PFAS Exposure and Promoting PFAS-Free Alternatives

To minimize PFAS impacts, consumers and industries are encouraged to seek PFAS-free products and alternatives. PFAS-free products, including food packaging and consumer goods, help reduce human exposure to these harmful chemicals. Additionally, limiting the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam and promoting safer alternatives can decrease environmental releases.

Private well owners are advised to conduct regular PFAS testing to ensure safe drinking water, especially in areas with known contamination. Public awareness and education about PFAS exposure and health effects are crucial for disease control and environmental protection.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding what are PFAS chemicals and their widespread environmental contamination is vital for addressing the associated health risks and environmental challenges. These toxic substances, found in many consumer products and water supplies, require ongoing monitoring, regulation, and innovation to reduce their presence and protect human health. Through coordinated efforts by government agencies, industry, and individuals, it is possible to mitigate PFAS pollution and promote safer, PFAS-free alternatives for a healthier future.

✓ Medically & Legally Reviewed

Eric Feingold, Esq.

Founding Partner with over 20 years of experience in complex personal injury and property damage litigation.

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