PFAS: “Forever Chemicals”
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – PFAS refers to a large group of over 3000 man-made compounds that include Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). These chemicals have been used in industrial and consumer products since the 1950s including non-stick products like Teflon, stain and water-resistant fabrics and textiles, cosmetics, polishes, grease-resistant food wrappers and fire-fighting foams.
These chemicals are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in animals and people over time. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will be testing groundwater sources across the state in 2020, results should be available in late 2020, early 2021. Below is a collection of resources from across the web that can be used as a starting point to learn about PFAS:
Websites:
Basic Information on PFAS – EPA
PFAS-Free Products – PFAS Central
PFAS Chemicals – Environmental Working Group
PDFs:
PFAS Action Team Initial Report – Pennsylvania
PFAS Exposure Infographic – University of Michigan
PFAS Health Effects Infographic – University of Michigan
Fluorinated Alternatives: Myths versus Facts – Green Science Policy Institute
Regulations, Guidance, and Advisories for PFAS – Interstate Technology Regulatory Council
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