You may not have heard of PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—but chances are, you've already been exposed to them. Think back to your last microwave popcorn snack, takeout meal, or use of a non-stick pan. These everyday items often contain PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly, persisting in the environment and in our bodies for decades.
PFAS have been in use since the 1940s due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. These qualities made them attractive for a wide range of products, including food packaging such as grease-resistant paper and fast food wrappers, household items like non-stick cookware, carpet cleaners, and paints, and personal care products like waterproof makeup, shampoos, and dental floss, among others.
In 2021, EPA Administrator Michael Regan established the EPA Council on PFAS, which led to the development of the agency's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. A key milestone followed in April 2024, when the EPA announced the first federally enforceable drinking water standards for five PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA. But that momentum may be short-lived. In May 2025, the EPA announced plans to delay enforcement of the drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS from the year 2029 to 2031.
Research has shown that water systems serving higher percentages of people of color are more likely to contain elevated PFAS levels. Many of these communities are already grappling with underfunded infrastructure, limited political influence, and the historical legacies of redlining, segregation, and environmental disinvestment.
Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color often lack the legal tools or funding to fight back against polluting facilities, which are strategically placed by industries to get the least pushback.