What Are PFAS? The Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances - the "forever chemicals" found in everyday products and the environment.

Understanding PFAS: The Basics

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, a group of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a wide variety of industries since the 1940s. They're often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment and can persist for thousands of years.

What makes PFAS unique is their molecular structure: strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make them resistant to heat, water, and oil. This durability made them incredibly useful for industrial applications, but it's also what makes them problematic for human health and the environment.

Key Fact

Studies have found PFAS in the blood of 98% of Americans tested, demonstrating how widespread exposure has become through contaminated water, food, and consumer products.

Where Are PFAS Found?

PFAS have been used in an enormous range of products and industrial applications. Here are the most common sources of exposure:

Consumer Products

Non-Stick Cookware

Teflon and similar coatings

Food Packaging

Microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers

Waterproof Clothing

Rain jackets, outdoor gear

Stain-Resistant Carpets

Scotchgard-treated textiles

Cosmetics

Foundations, mascaras, lip products

Dental Floss

PTFE-coated products

Industrial Sources

  • Firefighting foam (AFFF): Used at airports, military bases, and firefighting training facilities
  • Chrome plating: Industrial metal finishing processes
  • Electronics manufacturing: Semiconductor production
  • Oil and gas production: Fracking fluids and drilling operations

Environmental Contamination

PFAS enter the environment through:

  • Wastewater treatment plant discharges
  • Landfill leachate
  • Agricultural runoff (biosolids used as fertilizer)
  • Industrial facility emissions
  • Firefighting foam use and training

Why Are PFAS Harmful?

Health Concerns

Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to several adverse health effects:

  • Elevated cholesterol levels
  • Thyroid disease
  • Kidney and testicular cancer
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Reduced immune response to vaccines
  • Developmental effects in children

The health risks from PFAS stem from several factors:

Persistence in the Body

Unlike most chemicals, PFAS don't break down in the human body. The half-life of PFOS (one common PFAS) is about 5.4 years, meaning it takes over 5 years for just half of it to leave your body. This bioaccumulation means that even low levels of ongoing exposure can build up to concerning concentrations over time.

Widespread Exposure

Because PFAS are so prevalent in products and the environment, exposure is essentially unavoidable. The question isn't whether you've been exposed, but how much. The most common exposure routes are:

  • Drinking contaminated water
  • Eating food from contaminated sources or packaging
  • Using products containing PFAS
  • Breathing contaminated air (near industrial sites)

How to Reduce Your Exposure

While complete avoidance of PFAS is impossible, you can take steps to minimize exposure:

In the Kitchen

  • Avoid non-stick cookware; use cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic instead
  • Skip microwave popcorn and other products in grease-resistant packaging
  • Use glass or stainless steel food storage containers
  • Avoid fast food packaging when possible

Water

  • Test your drinking water for PFAS contamination
  • Use a water filter certified for PFAS removal (reverse osmosis or activated carbon)
  • Check if your water utility tests for and treats PFAS

Products and Clothing

  • Choose PFAS-free outdoor gear and waterproof clothing
  • Avoid stain-resistant treatments on furniture and carpets
  • Check cosmetics for PTFE and fluoro ingredients
  • Look for PFAS-free dental floss

Testing Your Water

If you're on a private well or concerned about your municipal water supply, you can test for PFAS through certified laboratories. The EU drinking water directive sets a limit of 0.5 μg/L for total PFAS.

PFAS Regulations in 2026

Governments worldwide are taking action to address PFAS contamination:

European Union

  • France PFAS Ban (January 2026): Prohibits PFAS in cosmetics, textiles, and ski wax
  • Drinking Water Directive: Sets limits for PFAS in drinking water
  • ECHA Restriction Proposal: Comprehensive EU-wide PFAS restriction under review
  • Stockholm Convention: Global ban on certain PFAS effective December 2026

United States

  • EPA drinking water limits for several PFAS compounds
  • Superfund designation for PFOA and PFOS
  • State-level bans on PFAS in various products

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PFAS stand for?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. It's a group of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them extremely resistant to heat, water, and oil.
Why are they called "forever chemicals"?
PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment. The carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, making these compounds extremely persistent. They can remain in soil, water, and living organisms for decades or longer.
How do I know if I've been exposed to PFAS?
Given the widespread use of PFAS, nearly everyone has some level of exposure. Blood tests can measure PFAS levels in your body, though these are typically only recommended for individuals with known high exposures (such as those living near contaminated sites or working with PFAS).
Can I remove PFAS from my drinking water?
Yes, certain water treatment methods can effectively remove PFAS. Reverse osmosis systems and activated carbon filters are the most effective for home use. Look for filters certified by NSF International for PFAS removal.
Are there PFAS-free non-stick pans?
Yes, alternatives to traditional PTFE-coated non-stick cookware include cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and ceramic-coated pans. Some newer "non-stick" coatings use different technologies that don't involve PFAS.
Is my exposure level dangerous?
This depends on many factors including the specific PFAS compounds, concentration, and duration of exposure. While most people have detectable PFAS levels in their blood, whether this poses a health risk depends on the concentration. Regulatory agencies are still establishing safe exposure limits.
What is the EU doing about PFAS?
The EU is pursuing one of the most comprehensive PFAS restriction proposals in the world. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is reviewing a proposal that would restrict the manufacture, sale, and use of all PFAS with very limited exceptions. Several countries have already implemented national bans on PFAS in specific products.
Can PFAS be destroyed?
PFAS are extremely difficult to destroy due to their stable chemical structure. Some emerging technologies like electrochemical oxidation, supercritical water oxidation, and specialized incineration can break down PFAS, but these are costly and not widely available. Most current approaches focus on removal and containment rather than destruction.