PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These are man-made chemical substances that are highly resistant to heat, water, oil, and stains.
PFAS are chemically composed of fluorine atoms attached to a carbon chain. This carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry and is highly resistant to heat, water, and environmental breakdown.
Because PFAS are highly resistant to degradation and damage, they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, giving them the nickname “forever chemicals” (Washington Post, 2018). Due to this resistance, they linger in the environment and in the body and can lead to environmental damage and various health issues.
PFAS are most commonly found in non-stick cookware materials such as Teflon, water-repellent and stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and some food packaging. They are used in industrial manufacturing and have been available since the 1950s.
However, because PFAS cannot be destroyed or broken down, there are currently residues lingering in the Earth’s soil, rain, and water. When PFAS get into soil and water, they get into our drinking water, crops, agricultural products, fish, and wildlife.
There are proven health hazards of PFAS, which include endocrine disruption, thyroid disease, decreased immune response, high cholesterol, pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., hypertensive disorders), and developmental issues in infants and children.
