Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistoryProductsEnvironmental ExposureHealth RisksFederal ActionHow to Avoid ThemFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
History
Products
Environmental Exposure
Health Risks
Federal Action
How to Avoid Them
Frequently Asked Questions
Toxic chemicals known asperfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkylsubstances(PFAS) might have harmful health effects.They are known as “forever chemicals” because they never break down and, when taken in, remain present in the human body.
PFAS are found in everyday products, such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant coatings, carpets or upholstery, water-resistant clothing, and cleaning products. PFAS are also detectable in the drinking water supplies of many major cities.
Uwe Krejci/Getty Images.
Brief History of PFAS
The first PFAS were invented in the 1930s.Their development increased in the 1960s.
After a deadly U.S. Navy aircraft carrier fire that killed 134 people, scientists developed a PFAS-containing foam-like mixture—called aqueous film-forming foam—that rapidly puts out fires.
The PFAS helps the mixture spread, so it is highly effective against flammable-substance fires. Since its creation, PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam has been installed on all military aircraft, civil ships, and airplanes.
Today, thousands of PFAS-classified synthetic chemicals are used in various everyday products, including grease-resistant microwave popcorn bags, pipes and wiring (to reduce corrosion), and stain-resistant carpets.
Chemistry
PFAS belong to a broad group of chemicals that have different properties and uses. These chemicals all contain a carbon-fluorine bond, which gives them strong chemical bond capabilities.This bond means they can resist degradation processes from us and exposure in the environment.
Two forms of PFAS that have been well researched are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). PFOA and PFOS have been used in manufacturing for many decades and are widespread in the environment.
These compounds are no longer made in the United States and have been replaced with alternative PFAS, such as GenX chemicals.
Industrial Use
PFAS are used in many different U.S. industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, mining, oil and gas, and food production.PFAS have been used to manufacture consumer products worldwide since the 1950s.
Examples of industrial use include:
Replacement Chemicals
Concerns regarding the lack of breakdown, accumulation in the environment, and possible risks to human health from PFAS have led manufacturers to consider replacement chemicals.
It is possible to reformulate or substitute PFAS using longer chain substances to create alternative PFAS that do not cause the same effects as older PFAS.These modifications and phaseouts are currently being adopted in industries throughout the United States.
List of Products With PFAS
Studies have suggested that exposure to PFAS from consumer product use is extremely low. However, it is still wise to be aware of the products you use that might contain these chemicals.
Most PFAS move throughout the environment over long distances from their original sources. As a result, they contaminate groundwater, surface water, and soil. Researchers believe that long-term accumulation might be detrimental to food and drinking water sources if this continues.
PFAS Contamination Map in the United States
Several environmental groups have joined forces with researchers to determine the extent of PFAS contamination in U.S. communities.
For example, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Northeastern University in Boston have researched and provided details of PFAS pollution in tap water supplies in 27 states and from dozens of industrial and military sources. They have created aninteractive mapusing federal drinking water data and information on publicly documented cases of PFAS pollution.
Another helpful resource that maps PFAS exposure is the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR). TheATSDR mapis specific to PFAS investigations conducted in set regions throughout the United States.
How Serious Are the Health Risks?
Studies that have examined PFAS have found high levels of certain PFAS can lead to some health risks.
Potential health risks include:
Workers involved in the manufacture or processing of PFAS or PFAS materials are more likely to be exposed to high levels of PFAS than the general population. Exposure results from inhaling or swallowing these chemicals or getting them on your skin.
Studies have shown that only small amounts of PFAS can penetrate the body through the skin in the general population. Even showering and bathing or washing dishes in PFAS-containing water does not increase exposure.
There is some concern about infant exposure to PFAS through breast milk. However, the current research has found breastfeeding benefits outweigh the minimal risks of infant exposure to PFAS in breast milk.
Federal Action, Advocacy, and Future Plans
Many environmental groups throughout the United States continually seek to push for clean water initiatives and additional actions to address PFAS exposure. A 2021 presidential order was signed prioritizing climate initiatives, including the federal government’s purchase of products that do not contain PFAS.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established an action plan in 2020 to address PFAS in drinking water, identify and clean up PFAS drinking sources, and expand monitoring of PFAS in manufacturing.The EPA has also established enforcement methods and timelines to aid their monitoring initiatives.
New kinds of PFAS are also being developed. Many of these will be less persistent in the environment. Research is needed to determine if these newer chemicals pose risks to human health.
If you want to learn more about what is being done to educate the public and push for governmental regulations or become involved in anti-PFAS advocacy, thePFAS Exchangeis an excellent place to start. They provide a list of resources and advocacy groups in the United States.
Lifestyle Choices to Limit PFAS Exposure
Some lifestyle choices can help you to reduce your exposure to PFAS.
For example, people who prepare meals at home are exposed to fewer PFAS chemicals than people who eat fast food, takeout, or restaurant meals, according to a 2019Environmental Health Perspectivesstudy.This study also found that high PFAS consumption affects those who consume popcorn from microwave popcorn bags.
Ways to reduce PFAS exposure are:
Summary
PFAS chemicals are found in various everyday products that make our lives easier. They are called “forever chemicals” because they are not easily broken down.
PFAS-containing products include pizza boxes, fast food packing, nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, microwave popcorn bags, personal care products, cosmetics, and more.
PFAS chemicals can also find their way into the water supply. They are even found in the human body due to being inhaled, swallowed, and coming in contact with skin.
Researchers do not believe that everyday exposure provides severe or long-term harm. You can do things to limit your PFAS exposure, such as installing water filters, limiting exposure to restaurant packaging, cooking at home, andnot consuming microwave popcorn.
Frequently Asked QuestionsPFAS chemicals are manufactured in different industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, mining, oil and gas, and food production.Consumer water filtration units can effectively remove PFAS compounds from your in-home drinking source. Two types of filtration units used in homes are granular activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis.PFAS chemicals PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorodecalin, and perfluorohexane are used in personal care products and cosmetics. If you want to avoid PFAS in these products, take the time to read their ingredient labels.If you want to learn more about educating the public about PFAS and becoming involved in anti-PFAS advocacy, the PFAS Exchange is a great place to start. Their website offers a list of resources and advocacy groups available in the United States.
PFAS chemicals are manufactured in different industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, mining, oil and gas, and food production.
Consumer water filtration units can effectively remove PFAS compounds from your in-home drinking source. Two types of filtration units used in homes are granular activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis.
PFAS chemicals PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorodecalin, and perfluorohexane are used in personal care products and cosmetics. If you want to avoid PFAS in these products, take the time to read their ingredient labels.
If you want to learn more about educating the public about PFAS and becoming involved in anti-PFAS advocacy, the PFAS Exchange is a great place to start. Their website offers a list of resources and advocacy groups available in the United States.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).Environmental Protection Agency.PFAS strategic roadmap: EPA’s commitments to action 2021-2024.Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council.History and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in the environment.Department of Defense.Naval research lab chemists search for PFAS-free firefighting foam.Glüge J, Scheringer M, Cousins IT, et al.An overview of the uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS).Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2020;22(12):2345-2373. doi:10.1039/d0em00291gInterstate Technology & Regulatory Council.2.4 PFAS reductions and alternative PFAS formulations.Agency For Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.How can I be exposed?Environmental Protection Agency.EPA PFAS action plan.Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.What are the health effects of PFAS?The White House.FACT SHEET: President Biden signs executive order catalyzing America’s clean energy economy through federal sustainability.Susmann HP, Schaider LA, Rodgers KM, Rudel RA.Dietary habits related to food packaging and population exposure to PFASs.Environ Health Perspect. 2019;127(10):107003. doi:10.1289/EHP4092Chow SJ, Ojeda N, Jacangelo JG, Schwab KJ.Detection of ultrashort-chain and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in U.S. bottled water.Water Res.2021;201:117292. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2021.117292
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).Environmental Protection Agency.PFAS strategic roadmap: EPA’s commitments to action 2021-2024.Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council.History and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in the environment.Department of Defense.Naval research lab chemists search for PFAS-free firefighting foam.Glüge J, Scheringer M, Cousins IT, et al.An overview of the uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS).Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2020;22(12):2345-2373. doi:10.1039/d0em00291gInterstate Technology & Regulatory Council.2.4 PFAS reductions and alternative PFAS formulations.Agency For Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.How can I be exposed?Environmental Protection Agency.EPA PFAS action plan.Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.What are the health effects of PFAS?The White House.FACT SHEET: President Biden signs executive order catalyzing America’s clean energy economy through federal sustainability.Susmann HP, Schaider LA, Rodgers KM, Rudel RA.Dietary habits related to food packaging and population exposure to PFASs.Environ Health Perspect. 2019;127(10):107003. doi:10.1289/EHP4092Chow SJ, Ojeda N, Jacangelo JG, Schwab KJ.Detection of ultrashort-chain and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in U.S. bottled water.Water Res.2021;201:117292. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2021.117292
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).Environmental Protection Agency.PFAS strategic roadmap: EPA’s commitments to action 2021-2024.Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council.History and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in the environment.Department of Defense.Naval research lab chemists search for PFAS-free firefighting foam.Glüge J, Scheringer M, Cousins IT, et al.An overview of the uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS).Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2020;22(12):2345-2373. doi:10.1039/d0em00291gInterstate Technology & Regulatory Council.2.4 PFAS reductions and alternative PFAS formulations.Agency For Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.How can I be exposed?Environmental Protection Agency.EPA PFAS action plan.Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.What are the health effects of PFAS?The White House.FACT SHEET: President Biden signs executive order catalyzing America’s clean energy economy through federal sustainability.Susmann HP, Schaider LA, Rodgers KM, Rudel RA.Dietary habits related to food packaging and population exposure to PFASs.Environ Health Perspect. 2019;127(10):107003. doi:10.1289/EHP4092Chow SJ, Ojeda N, Jacangelo JG, Schwab KJ.Detection of ultrashort-chain and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in U.S. bottled water.Water Res.2021;201:117292. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2021.117292
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Environmental Protection Agency.PFAS strategic roadmap: EPA’s commitments to action 2021-2024.
Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council.History and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in the environment.
Department of Defense.Naval research lab chemists search for PFAS-free firefighting foam.
Glüge J, Scheringer M, Cousins IT, et al.An overview of the uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS).Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2020;22(12):2345-2373. doi:10.1039/d0em00291g
Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council.2.4 PFAS reductions and alternative PFAS formulations.
Agency For Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.How can I be exposed?
Environmental Protection Agency.EPA PFAS action plan.
Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry.What are the health effects of PFAS?
The White House.FACT SHEET: President Biden signs executive order catalyzing America’s clean energy economy through federal sustainability.
Susmann HP, Schaider LA, Rodgers KM, Rudel RA.Dietary habits related to food packaging and population exposure to PFASs.Environ Health Perspect. 2019;127(10):107003. doi:10.1289/EHP4092
Chow SJ, Ojeda N, Jacangelo JG, Schwab KJ.Detection of ultrashort-chain and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in U.S. bottled water.Water Res.2021;201:117292. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2021.117292
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