Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a family of synthetic chemical compounds (>10,000) that contain multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain.
They’re referred to as forever chemicals because they do not usually break down naturally in the environment. They resist thermal, chemical, and biological degradation, and many act as surfactants.
Surfactants, short for surface-active agents, are chemical compounds that reduce the surface tension between two substances, such as between a liquid and a solid, or between two liquids (like oil and water).
PFAS chemicals have been used in thousands of products since the 1940s because they’re extremely resistant to heat, water, and oil.
PFAS are found in many everyday items for their non-stick, water-repellent, or stain-resistant properties:
They are also widely used in processes requiring chemical stability:
One of the largest historical sources of PFAS contamination comes from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) – used for decades at:
These foams were prized for their ability to quickly suppress fuel fires but have led to widespread groundwater contamination.
Because PFAS chemicals are highly persistent and because of their prevalent use for the majority of the last century, these chemicals have accumulated in soil, water, wildlife, and people, leading to increasing global concern about their health effects, such as:
Across the world, governments are taking action to address the persistence and health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). From the United States and Canada to the European Union, Japan, and Australia, regulatory frameworks are expanding to restrict production, limit use, and phase out non-essential applications. Emerging markets in Asia and South America are also beginning to adopt monitoring and control measures. This growing global alignment reflects a shared recognition that PFAS contamination is a cross-border issue requiring coordinated, science-based solutions.
PFAS contamination has become one of the most expensive environmental liabilities in history. The world’s largest chemical and manufacturing companies are now paying billions in fines, settlements, and remediation costs tied to decades of production and discharge of “forever chemicals.”
3M, DuPont, Chemours, and other industry leaders have collectively agreed to more than £11.65 billion in PFAS-related settlements to date — and that number continues to rise as governments expand enforcement and regulation worldwide. These penalties underscore the escalating financial risks of noncompliance, inadequate disclosure, and delayed environmental response.
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