PFAS and PFOS are synthetic chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, water-repellent clothing, firefighting foams, and cosmetics. They are also known as “forever chemicals” because they are very persistent in the environment and in the human body. PFAS and PFOS do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. The compounds can contaminate drinking water, soil, air, and food. They can also enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact and can cause adverse health effects, such as liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone disruption, and cancer.
Learn more about the examples of products that contain PFAS/PFOS and the governmental regulations around these substances at ESE Emerging Contaminants (PFAS.PFOS).
