PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often referred to as "forever chemicals" and are widely recognized as a major environmental health concern today. These chemicals are found everywhere from food packaging and cosmetics to carpets, clothing, and cookware, making exposure nearly unavoidable in daily life. However, the burden of PFAS contamination is unequally distributed.
A comprehensive study conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that "sociodemographic groups stressed by marginalization, racism, and poverty are more highly exposed to PFAS" in drinking water across the United States. The Silent Spring Institute's research also provides crucial insight into the mechanisms driving these disparities, linking the "disproportionate siting of PFAS pollution sources near watersheds serving communities of color" to higher exposure rates in these populations.
The Environmental Working Group's analysis reveals that "11,000+ landfills could contaminate low-income communities and communities of color located nearby" with PFAS chemicals that can enter into soil, air, and groundwater. PFAS chemicals have been linked to cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of high cholesterol and obesity.
The 3M Company, a major producer of PFAS used in products like Scotchgard and firefighting foam, reached a significant settlement involving a "$10.3 billion commitment over 13 years for PFAS remediation" with public water suppliers nationwide. Other settlements followed, with "Tyco Fire Products paying $750 million and BASF Corporation paying $316.5 million" as part of broader lawsuits over PFAS contamination.