PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or PFASs) are a group of synthetic organofluorinechemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain. The high chemical and thermal stability of PFAS leads to these compounds having long environmental lifetimes, hence the common nickname "forever chemicals".

The first PFAS, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, was synthesized in 1934. Widespread use of PFAS began in 1938 with the invention of Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene), a fluoropolymer coating that resists heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Since their inception, thousands of PFAS compounds have been created. They are used in a wide variety of products including waterproof fabric, yoga pants, carpets, shampoo, mobile phone screens, wall paint, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, firefighting foam, electrical insulation, and cosmetics.

Exposure to PFAS, some of which are carcinogens or endocrine disruptors, has been linked to diseases and health conditions including cancers, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, suboptimal antibody response or decreased immunity, decreased fertility, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, fetal and child developmental issues, obesity, and high cholesterol. PFAS are often found in groundwater, wastewater and soil. Wastewater treatment facilities and landfills have the highest levels of pollution. Areas near airports and air force bases are contaminated from the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Further, crop uptake of PFAS and bioaccumulation of PFAS into fish, livestock, and wildlife can act as potential routes of human exposure. Due to health and environmental concerns associated with many PFAS, PFOS and PFOA were listed in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2009 and 2019, respectively. However, it is challenging to assess the potential risks of all PFAS due to the large data-gaps in toxicity and physicochemical properties. With thousands of compounds used in various application, only a few have undergone comprehensive biological testing.

In some jurisdictions, such as the European Union, further reductions and phase-outs of PFAS are planned. Several companies are voluntarily ending or planning to end the sale of PFAS and PFAS-containing products due to health and litigation concerns. However, major producers and users such as the United States, Israel, and Malaysia have not ratified the agreement and the chemical industry has lobbied governments to reduce regulations.