What are PFAS?
Understanding PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals”
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of industries and consumer products since the 1940s. They are known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, this durability means they don’t break down easily, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
How Do PFAS Enter the Environment?
PFAS find their way into our soil, water, and air through several channels.
- Industrial Sources: Manufacturing sites can contaminate ground and surface water with PFAS. The waste from these producers can also end up in landfills, leading to further contamination.
- Wastewater Treatment: Wastewater treatment plants may discharge PFAS into water sources that are used for drinking water systems. Additionally, sludge byproducts from these plants, known as biosolids, can contain PFAS and are sometimes used as fertilizer on agricultural land, which can lead to water contamination.
- Consumer Products: Everyday items like nonstick cookware, food packaging, and carpets can contain PFAS. When these products are thrown away, they contribute to PFAS buildup in landfills.
- Firefighting Foam: Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam, has been a significant source of groundwater and source water contamination, particularly at airports and military bases.
What are the Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure?
People can be exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water, food, and even the air. Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health concerns.
A Brief History of PFAS in the U.S.
The story of PFAS is one of innovation followed by growing awareness of unintended consequences.
- 1930s-1950s: DuPont invents PTFE, a key PFAS compound, and begins using it in Teflon products. 3M starts producing PFOA, another major PFAS chemical, and uses it in Scotchgard.
- 1960s-1970s: The U.S. Navy and 3M develop AFFF containing PFAS. Early studies begin to show adverse health effects in animals exposed to PFAS.
- 1980s-1990s: Evidence emerges of birth defects in children of Teflon plant workers. Research confirms that PFAS can increase the weight of the liver and kidneys in rats. By the 1990s, PFAS is found in blood bank supplies across the country.
- 2000s-Present: In response to growing evidence of toxicity, manufacturers begin phasing out long-chain PFAS and replacing them with short-chain versions. The EPA encourages the discontinuation of long-chain PFAS and later releases a comprehensive PFAS action plan. In the 2020s, the EPA has moved to enact enforceable drinking water standards and designate certain PFAS as hazardous substances under CERCLA.
This evolving regulatory landscape highlights the increasing concern regarding these chemicals.
Sources:
https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4890
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-37