Origins of PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of products for decades. They are known for their water- and stain-repelling properties and have been used in products such as nonstick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam, and carpets.
The first PFAS was invented in the 1930s, and their use grew rapidly in the following decades. By the 1970s, PFAS were found in a wide range of products, and they were considered to be safe. However, in the 1990s, scientists began to learn more about the potential health risks of PFAS.
PFAS Reference Items
PFAS in Drinking Water
Health concerns of PFAS in drinking water
Connecticut PFAS Standards
From the Environmental Health and Drinking Water Branch
PFAS found in Hawaii wells
Hundreds of Hawaii residents rely on bottled water
Study Shows Nearly Half of Nation's Tap Water Contains PFAS
Hundreds of Hawaii residents rely on bottled water
Study Results of Water Filtration Systems as an Effective Way to Get Rid of PFAS
Hundreds of Hawaii residents rely on bottled water
Bottled water contains hundreds of thousands of potentially dangerous plastic fragments: Study
A new study has found that the average bottle of water contains nearly a quarter million fragments of “nanoplastics” — plastic particles so small they can potentially gum up the machinery of human cells.
What Health Problems PFAS Can Be Linked To
PFAS are now known to be persistent in the environment, meaning that they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down. They can also bioaccumulate, meaning that they can build up in the bodies of animals and humans over time. PFAS have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive problems.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the presence of PFAS in the environment. PFAS have been found in water, soil, and air, and they have been detected in the bodies of people and animals all over the world.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently working to assess the risks of PFAS and to develop regulations to reduce their use. However, PFAS are still widely used in a variety of products, and they are likely to remain in the environment for many years to come.
Where PFAS Can Be Found In The Environment
Here are some of the places where PFAS have been found:
- Water: PFAS have been found in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water.
- Soil: PFAS have been found in soil near industrial sites and landfills.
- Air: PFAS have been found in the air near industrial sites and airports.
- Food: PFAS have been found in food, including meat, dairy, and fish.
- Animals: PFAS have been found in the bodies of animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.
- Humans: PFAS have been found in the bodies of humans, including blood, serum, and breast milk.
What You Should Know At This Point About PFAS and What You Can Do
