Scientists tackle PFAS – forever chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in both industry and consumer products since the 1940s due to their extreme stability. However, PFAS are extremely persistent and accumulate in the human body and the environment. Epidemiological studies have revealed associations between exposure to specific PFAS and a variety of effects on human health and this continues to be a key area of investigation. Human exposure to PFAS can occur in many ways through household products such as nonstick coatings, waterproof or stain-resistant materials, house dust, or via ingestion through contaminated drinking water or food. To better understand the environmental fate of PFAS, the ecological impacts, and the potential risk to public health, there is a need for robust analytical techniques that can provide unbiased quantitative and qualitative data.

There is plenty we do not know about PFAS, including their full health and environmental impacts. How we will clean them up is also unclear. However, with increased regulatory, scientific, and public scrutiny, we are beginning to address the problem for the first time. Explore the uncertainty surrounding PFAS, their profound health and environmental impacts, and the ongoing challenges in establishing effective cleanup strategies.

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