Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” have garnered significant attention due to their harmful effects on both the environment and human health. These persistent chemicals resist breaking down, remaining in our ecosystems and bodies for decades.

Where Are PFAS Found?

PFAS are widespread in many everyday products and industrial processes, including:

  • Non-stick cookware
  • Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets
  • Firefighting foam (also known as “AFFF”) used by the military bases and fire departments
  • Fast food packaging materials
  • Cosmetics and personal care products
  • Paints and sealants
  • Pesticides

How Do PFAS Enter the Environment?

PFAS can infiltrate the environment through various pathways, contaminating air, soil, and water. Below are some of the primary ways PFAS pollution occurs:

  • Air pollution from factories manufacturing or using PFAS.
  • Wastewater discharge from industrial sites into water supplies.
  • Firefighting foam sprayed directly onto the ground, polluting local water sources.
  • Landfill leakage, where products containing PFAS degrade and leach into soil.
  • Agricultural practices using pesticides and fertilizers with PFAS, contaminating soil and food production.

Once in the environment, PFAS persist indefinitely, often accumulating in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This contamination can affect fish, wildlife, and, ultimately, humans through contaminated water and food supplies.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS have been linked to several serious conditions, including:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Thyroid disease
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Ulcerative colitis

PFAS remain in the body for extended periods, meaning that even past exposure can lead to health issues years later. You don’t need to come into direct contact with PFAS to be at risk—drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food can also result in exposure.

While PFAS exposure can affect anyone, individuals living near industrial plants, military bases, or airports that use firefighting foam are at heightened risk.

Major chemical companies, including 3M and DuPont, have produced and sold PFAS for decades, despite being aware of the associated health risks. As a result, people across the nation are now suing these corporations to hold them accountable for the harm they have caused.