Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, is a category of chemicals that have seen widespread use since the mid-20th century in a range of industrial and consumer products. They are particularly valued for their water- and oil-repelling properties and are used in products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, firefighting foam, and food packaging.
Research has demonstrated that PFAS exposure can contribute to various health issues, including elevated cholesterol levels, liver enzyme changes, thyroid disease, reduced vaccine response in children, and even increased risk of certain types of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer.
One large study conducted by Harvard University students concluded that communities with higher percentages of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents are more likely to have unsafe levels of PFAS in their water supply than white or more affluent communities. The Harvard research concluded that with each local source of pollution, such as a factory or landfill, there is a 10% to 108% increase in PFOA and a 20% to 34% rise in PFOS in drinking water.
In the United Kingdom, for instance, the UK REACH Programme is one of the major regulatory regimes that operates towards managing the risks posed by hazardous chemicals and ensuring that substances placed on the market are safe for individuals and the environment. PFAS chemicals are subject to the UK REACH rules, which enable the authorities to restrict, prohibit, or place stringent conditions on their manufacture, marketing, and use.