What are PFAS, PFOS, and PFOA? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a complex group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industries around the world since the 1940s and continue to be used today. The most common of these chemicals being perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These chemicals are designed to be so strong that they don't break down fully in the environment, which is why they’ve coined the name “forever chemicals”. PFAS chemicals are used in an astonishing array of consumer products including but not limited to: Can PFAS be found in drinking water? Due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment, PFAS can be found all over the world; in people, water, fish, wildlife and virtually every environmental compartment, including in remote areas. PFAS have not been regularly monitored at drinking water treatment plants in North America. Where monitoring data exists, it is often for a limited number of PFAS. Growing evidence shows PFAS are in North American freshwater sources and drinking water, according to new studies from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada. Non-stick cookware Food liners, wrappers, and packaging Water-resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas and tents Personal care products, like shampoo, dental floss, and nail polish Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics What are the health risks of PFAS? “Forever chemicals” present such vital health concerns because they are bioaccumulative. This means they are absorbed faster than the body can excrete them, and they build up over time. Numerous studies link PFAS chemicals to: Testicular, kidney, prostate, and ovarian cancers High Cholesterol, Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Thyroid disruption Reduced ability of the immune system to fight infection and may decrease vaccine response Developmental delays and defects in children
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