One of the most overlooked environmental threats is PFAS pollution. PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. They are present in food packaging, cookware, fire extinguishing foam, cosmetics, and more. PFAS shed from these sources into food, drinking water, and air. The primary issue with PFAS is their durability. Frequently referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS are made of carbon and fluorine bonds, some of the strongest chemical bonds. They break down slowly, if at all, accumulating in humans, animals, and ecosystems over time.
The bioaccumulation of PFAS can have negative health consequences. Studies show exposure to PFAS can cause adverse effects on the reproductive system, immune system, and endocrine system. PFAS exposure can cause developmental issues in children and increase the risk of cancer and obesity. Despite these alarming side effects, most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS. A CDC report found 97% of Americans have PFAS in their blood. 110 million Americans' drinking water contains PFAS. Six million Americans' drinking water has dangerously high levels of PFAS.
PFAS pollution is an environmental justice issue. Low-income and communities of color are at higher risk of PFAS exposure and are more likely to be within five miles of PFAS-contaminated sites than white, wealthy communities. In addition to an increased risk of environmental exposure, low-income populations have less access to fresh food and produce. They are more likely to be exposed to PFAS contained in processed food packaging.
A Harvard study showed "PFAS detection was positively associated with the number of PFAS sources and proportions of people of color who are served by a water system." In California, for example, 64% of all Californians are served by water systems polluted with PFAS. This already high rate increases significantly for underprivileged communities. PFAS-polluted water systems serve 79% of low-income Californian populations.
In April 2025, New Hampshire entered into law a bill "prohibiting the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes that contain intentionally added PFAS." In February 2025, a bill was introduced into the Connecticut State House of Representatives to remove PFAS from fire apparatuses. In May 2025, the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force was relaunched. The task force aims to remove PFAS from drinking water while holding polluters financially liable and removing costs from victims.
In 2024, the Biden Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented new PFAS rules, including mandating water providers to remove PFAS from drinking water by 2029. In early 2025, the Trump Administration temporarily suspended this litigation while determining its position on the 2024 PFAS rules. The priority for improving the response to PFAS pollution is restoring the EPA's budget.