PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals often called “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment or in the human body. They have been used since the 1940s in many common products such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics. PFAS are valued for their ability to repel water, grease, and heat, but these same chemical properties make them extremely persistent. Over time, PFAS can accumulate in soil, water supplies, wildlife, and human blood. Studies have linked long-term exposure to potential health concerns including immune system effects, hormone disruption, increased cholesterol levels, and a higher risk of certain cancers. Because PFAS contamination has been detected in drinking water systems across the United States, scientists, environmental groups, and regulators are increasingly focused on monitoring, reducing, and removing these chemicals from public water supplies.
