What are PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals which have been used for their water-resistant, oil-resistant, lubrication, or non-flammable properties – fire-fighting foams, anti-stick coating on cookware, food packaging, furniture, carpets, clothing, cosmetics, etc. PFAS are all characterized by carbon-fluorine (C-F) chemical bonds, which are highly stable and will not biodegrade. PFAS enter surface and ground water via multiple means – municipal wastewater, landfill leachate, leachate from contaminated soils (ex. airports, industrial sites).

There is evidence that continued exposure at the nanogram per litre (ng/L) or parts per trillion (ppt) levels for certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects – cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, liver and thyroid disease, etc. By setting the drinking water heath advisories for the two most common PFAS – PFOA and PFOS at 0.004 ppt and 0.02 ppt respectively, the US EPA is essentially saying that there are no safe levels of these compounds in water.