Known as ‘forever chemicals,’ per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of synthetic compounds used in a variety of consumer products and manufacturing processes. Due to their strong and stable carbon-fluorine bonds, these substances don’t break down and continue to bioaccumulate. Consequently, they remain the most persistent environmental contaminants seen today.
Consumers are exposed to PFAS through many sources, including non-stick cookware, kitchenware, water-repellant clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, microwave popcorn bags, and other cleaning and personal care products. PFAS also find their way into the environment, cycling through water, soil, and air, through industrial processes such as commercial manufacturing, firefighting, and waste disposal. Due to their ubiquitous nature, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have estimated that 99% of the population now carry PFAS in their blood. Studies have also linked PFAS to health issues such as hormonal disruption, increased cholesterol, and cancer risks. Download now to learn more.