Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. They are used in a wide range of products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. PFAS are persistent, meaning they do not break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

History

PFAS were first synthesized in the 1930s, and commercial production began in the 1940s. They were initially used in aerospace applications and firefighting foams, but their use has since expanded to include a wide range of consumer products.

Types of PFAS

There are two main types of PFAS: perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAAs include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), which are the most studied and regulated PFAS. Polyfluoroalkyl substances are a larger group of compounds that contain a PFAS moiety but also include other functional groups.

Health Effects

Exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health effects. Studies have shown that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have also been linked to increases in testicular and kidney cancer in animals.

Environmental Impact

PFAS are persistent in the environment and resistant to typical environmental degradation processes. They are widely distributed across the higher trophic levels and are found in soil, air, and groundwater at sites across the globe.

Regulation

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued health advisories for PFOA and PFOS. Several states have also established their own guidelines and regulations for PFAS.

See Also

• Environmental toxicology
• Industrial waste
• Water pollution