Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
What Are PFAS and Why Should We Care?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made chemicals used in products designed to resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. They are found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam.
The reason PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” is because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. Instead, they accumulate over time. This persistence has led to widespread contamination of drinking water, soil, and wildlife across the United States.
Scientific research links PFAS exposure to serious health concerns, including:
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system suppression
- Reproductive and developmental effects
- Elevated cholesterol levels
The video highlights how PFAS contamination is not isolated—it is systemic. Communities near military bases, airports, manufacturing plants, and industrial waste sites are particularly vulnerable because firefighting foams and industrial discharge have historically contained high levels of PFAS.
This raises urgent environmental justice concerns. Many affected communities were unaware of contamination for years, and some still struggle to access clean drinking water. Addressing PFAS is not just about environmental protection—it is about public health, accountability, and equitable access to safe water.
