Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, also referred to as PFAS, are a family of more than 9000 different chemicals that are used in industry and in many consumer products. These chemicals were first produced in the 1940s and are in widespread use because of their “non-stick” properties. Since PFAS don’t degrade and dissolve in water, they can be transported through the environment and be absorbed by people. PFAS have been used in non-stick coatings on clothing and food packaging materials as well as in aqueous firefighting foams.

Several incidents involving human exposure to PFAS from the Ohio River resulted in the creation of the C8 Science Panel that was the largest study of its kind to investigate the potential health effects of PFAS exposure. Communities near industrial, military sites, and others have increased the public’s awareness of and concerns about PFAS exposure.

Additional Information about PFAS

• NIEHS PFAS
• ATSDR PFAS
• OHIO EPA
• National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine