Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS, and many other compounds.
Forever chemicals have been manufactured and used in various industries around the globe since the 1940s.
PFAS are known for their unique chemical properties, particularly their resistance to water, oil, and heat, due to the strong carbon-fluorine bonds within their molecular structure.
Because of this durability, PFAS have been used in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foams and food packaging.
However, this same resilience also makes them environmentally persistent, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally.
Over time, PFAS can accumulate in both the environment and human bodies, leading to widespread contamination.
Research has linked long-term exposure to these chemicals to serious health issues, including cancer, immune system suppression, and developmental effects in children.
Development and Application of PFAS Chemicals
The development of PFAS began in the mid-20th century, with companies like 3M and DuPont pioneering their production.
PFAS were initially celebrated for their innovative durability, leading to their incorporation into a wide array of consumer and industrial products.
By the 1950s and 60s, PFAS was being widely used in:
- Non-Stick Cookware: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), better known as Teflon, became a household staple for its ability to create non-stick surfaces.
- Firefighting Foams: Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) containing PFAS were adopted for their efficiency in extinguishing fuel fires.
- Water-Repellent Fabrics: PFAS provides durable water repellency to textiles, leading to their outdoor gear and clothing use.
- Food Packaging: PFAS coatings helped to resist grease and oil, leading to their use in fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and other food containers.
PFAS was also utilized in various settings for its lubricating and protective qualities, including in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Sources and Pathways of PFAS Contamination
Military bases, particularly those involved in firefighting training and operations, are significant sources of PFAS contamination.
The use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains high levels of PFAS, has been standard at military installations for decades.
AFFF, used extensively in fire drills and emergency responses, leaches into the soil and eventually infiltrates nearby groundwater and drinking water supplies, leading to contamination in surrounding communities.
More than 700 military installations in the US have known or suspected releases of PFAS in drinking water, private wells, and other water sources.
However, military sites are not the only culprits.
Manufacturing facilities that produce or use PFAS in various industrial applications also release significant amounts of these chemicals into the environment.
Industrial discharge from factories that manufacture non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and other PFAS-containing products can contaminate local water bodies and soil.
Additionally, waste disposal sites, including landfills, allow PFAS to seep from discarded products into the surrounding environment, contributing to long-term pollution.
Agricultural runoff, containing fertilizers made from biosolids with PFAS, further spreads these chemicals, affecting water bodies and agricultural lands.
Removing PFAS from water supplies is particularly difficult, as conventional water treatment plants are not equipped to handle these chemicals.
Advanced technologies like granular activated carbon filtration are required, but these are costly and not yet widely adopted.
