QEHSEnvironment
PFAS — Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl SubstancesPFAS
A class of synthetic chemicals called "forever chemicals" due to environmental persistence.
PFAS encompass thousands of compounds (PFOA, PFOS, GenX, etc.) used in non-stick coatings, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and stain repellents. They accumulate in groundwater and living tissue. EPA has set MCLs for PFOA/PFOS at 4 ppt in drinking water (2024). Sites with AFFF use or manufacturing must assess and potentially remediate PFAS contamination.