PFAS, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as "forever chemicals," are present in thousands of products used in the United States. Due to their resilience and difficulting in breaking down in the environment, these chemicals remain in environments like soil, water, and various habitats, posing a threat to both animal and human safety. However, PFAS in particular has been found to impact marginalized communities across the United States, a growing problem that requires cleanup and regulations to prioritize these populations.
Collectively, PFAS encompasses more than 15,000 individual chemicals that have variants and differing aspects. However, they all share the feature of being extremely durable. These pollutants have been known to resist degradation in the environment even after decades of introduction, becoming so widespread that they are found even in crucial sources of water like groundwater. These chemicals are used in nonstick and water-resistant products, including popular products like waterproof mascara and cooking utensils.
A study done in 2020 revealed that more than approximately 200 million Americans utilize water systems where PFAS was detected at or greater than 1 part per trillion in concentration. However, PFAS has been recorded to be closer in proximity to disadvantaged communities throughout the United States. A Harvard study found that PFAS levels were significantly higher in communities with higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents, with levels arising even above the EPA's guideline limits. The odds of PFAS detection rose approximately 3-6% in accordance with increased residents of Black or Hispanic origin.
In April 2024, the EPA required systems to reduce PFAS concentrations on public drinking water to almost zero within 3 years, and comply fully to the legal limits by five years, fully enforced. This is a huge step to PFAS regulation, as prior to this, there was no set legal limit or regulation to deal with these chemicals. These groups, pairing with local governments in states like California and Alabama, have discussed measures to increase testing, improve access to treatment, and other ways to regulate PFAS in their own communities.