About PFAS - PFAS Uses - PFAS Toxicity
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of 1,000s of human-made chemicals characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them highly resistant to degradation. Because of their unique physical characteristics these substances have been widely used since the 1940s in industrial and consumer products. Two PFAS that are currently regulated at the federal level, PFOS and PFOA, are seen here.
PFAS Uses
- PFAS are integrated into thousands of products across various sectors, making them pervasive in modern life. PFAS uses are prevalent in daily activities.
- Some of these products include firefighting foams (AFFF), non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon), water and stain resistant textiles, food packaging, coatings and lubricants, and processing aids in plastics and many other areas.
- Ongoing research and regulatory efforts aim to understand and mitigate the environmental and health impacts of these persistent chemicals.
Toxicity
PFAS are known to be toxic at extremely low levels, posing significant health risks such as liver damage, kidney disease, thyroid dysfunction, immune system impairment, and increased cancer risk. Research has shown that PFAS persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans, leading to widespread exposure through water, food, and consumer products. While these findings highlight their toxicity and potential for long-term harm, much remains to be understood about their mechanisms of action, cumulative effects, and strategies for effective mitigation. PFAS toxicity is a serious concern.