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Forever Chemicals (PFAS)
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also commonly referred to as forever chemicals, are widely used and long-lasting chemical compounds that can take thousands of years to break down. Forever chemicals are a class of around 15,000 manmade compounds, many of which are commonly used in the production of household products, such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and single-use plastics. Due to their persistence and abundance, they commonly make their way into our waterways where they can cause harm to both ecosystems and human health.
Common PFAS Compounds
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the largest groups of PFAS, due to its popularity between the 1940s and early 2000s for its non-stick and fire-resistant properties (they were used in non-stick cookware, carpets, and firefighting foams.) While PFOAs are no longer manufactured in the U.S., they still persist in the environment and have been linked to multiple health problems, such as high cholesterol and kidney cancer.
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is another abundant group of PFAS, between the 1940s and early 2000s, PFOS were commonly used in the production of non-stick and stain-resistant consumer products (specifically used in food packaging, firefighting foams, and non-stick cookware.) While they are no longer manufactured in the U.S., they persist in the environment and have been linked to health problems, such as low birth weight and high cholesterol in adults.
PFHxS
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) is a common PFAS compound that is used in water- and stain-protective coatings for consumer products. This compound does not break down under natural conditions in soil or water and therefore is quite persistent in the environment. PFHxS has been linked to health issues such as increased risk of cancer, high cholesterol, and much more. Though PFHxS is still in production in the U.S., it is one of the six compounds to be limited in drinking water by the EPA's new PFAS standards.