PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that we can find in everyday objects, used to repel water, grease and stains. They are called "forever" chemicals due to their high persistence. They can be found in food packaging, personal hygiene products, waterproof clothing, some paints, etc. Although the use of PFAS is helpful, it is also harmful to our health. Unfortunately, the threat of exposure and use of these substances is higher in certain communities.
According to Harvard's School of Public Health, "Our work suggests that the sociodemographic groups that are often stressed by other factors, including marginalization, racism, and poverty, are also more highly exposed to PFAS in drinking water". Not only are people of color at risk of higher exposure, but they, along with other disadvantaged communities are shown to have higher rates of medical issues arising from the harmful chemicals.
For low income communities, the proximity to contaminated water sources was 15% higher than their expected levels. An example of these communities is Flint, Michigan, where the water supply is acutely impacted by PFAS. Flint is home to a majority POC population where nearly 40% of the citizens live under the poverty line.
Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities are more likely to live in areas which are characterized by industrialization, urbanization, abandoned mines, landfills, and serious congestion. These communities suffer from higher exposure to PFAS as a result, as industrialization, urbanization, abandoned mines, landfills, and serious congestion all contribute significantly to the PFAS exposure that people face in nearby environments.
PFAS contamination is not just a chemical or health issue, it is an issue of environmental justice. PFAS chemicals are dangerous and harmful to everyone, but the people exposed to higher amounts happen to be people of color, impoverished communities, and many labor-intensive professionals.