Often called "forever chemicals," PFAs, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have become a big topic in environmental justice conversations. While these toxic substances contaminate environments across the country, their impact is not evenly distributed. Mounting evidence shows that communities of color and low-income neighborhoods disproportionately carry the burden of PFA exposure, an imbalance that is rooted in decades of failed environmental policy, industrial practices, and structural inequalities.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are a group of synthetic chemicals that were used in everyday products, starting in the 1950s. These everyday items include: clothing, carpets, cookware, and firefighting foam. These chemicals are sought after for their resistance to heat, oil, and water, but this resistance also makes them dangerous. PFAs do not break down in the environment nor the human body, hence their nickname "forever chemicals."
Research has linked PFA exposure to a variety of adverse health effects. These include liver damage, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, developmental delays, immune system suppression, and increased cholesterol levels. Pregnant women and infants are especially vulnerable. The persistent nature of PFA compounds means that once exposed, the effects can last for years to generations.
Data have consistently shown that PFA contamination does not affect all populations equally. Communities of color and low-income neighborhoods are more likely to be located near industrial sites, waste treatment facilities, and military bases, all common locations of PFAS pollution. According to researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, people in communities with higher proportions of Black and Latino residents were significantly more likely to have PFA-contaminated drinking water compared to predominantly white areas.
Industry has played a significant role in both the widespread use and continued presence of PFAs in the environment. Manufacturing facilities have released PFAs into air, soil, and water systems, especially in areas already suffering from pollution. The Guardian reports that processed food factories and manufacturing hubs, many of which are located in low-income neighborhoods, release significant amounts of PFAs into the air.
While federal action has been limited, momentum is building for stronger PFA regulations. Some states, such as Michigan and California, have begun to implement their own PFA regulations, and some municipalities are exploring legal action against manufacturers. But, a national solution is needed–one that centers environmental justice through policy, community engagement, funding, and strict enforcement.