PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not readily break down in the environment. Kyla Bennett, science policy director for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, said the chemicals share an extremely strong carbon-fluorine bond that makes them highly persistent, allowing them to accumulate in the environment and in the human body.
Bennett said PFAS have been used for decades in nonstick pans, carpets, waterproof clothing, food packaging and many other everyday products. As a result, the chemicals have moved into wastewater, septic systems, soil and water — and ultimately into the food chain.