Minorities and people of color have always suffered the burden of environmental hazards nationwide. Discriminatory policies fail these communities by forcing them to settle near areas of environmental degradation. A Harvard study in 2023 showed that these communities were more likely to consume per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) than other groups. PFAS also known as forever chemicals are synthetic chemicals mainly used for their water-resistant and heat-resistant properties. These chemicals are carcinogenic, and continuous exposure has been associated with numerous health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other health risks.
PFAS are synthetic hazardous chemicals that contain fluorinated chemicals with partially or completely fluorinated carbon chains. They are called forever chemicals due to their extreme persistence in the environment. They have high thermal and chemical stability making them useful for various industrial products. These substances tend to remain and build up in organisms over time, biomagnifying in food webs from smaller animals to larger predators. Humans being at the top of the food chains are subjected to PFAS primarily through food and drinking water.
PFAS were first invented during World War II, since then thousands of variants have been produced and used in various products from non-stick cookware to personal care products. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to reproductive issues, risks of cancers, reduced immunity, hormonal disruptions, risk of obesity and high cholesterol, and developmental issues or delays in children.
Water sources in proximity of airports, military fire training areas, industrial sites, and wastewater treatment plants were more likely to be contaminated by PFAS. These areas are disproportionately sited next to low-income communities and people of colour. Many Black and Hispanic residents are exposed to PFAS due to their proximity to sites where materials containing PFAS are found in abundance. For instance, high concentrations of PFAS have been found in local water sources in communities in Ohio and West Virginia.
A multi-state analysis conducted by Harvard found that a mere 1% increase in the Black population of a U.S. community raises its risk of PFAS water contamination by up to 9%. This shows how PFAS disproportionately burden communities of colour. Communities like Cottage Grove, Minnesota (exposed to 3M), Parkersburg, West Virginia (DuPont), and Marinette and Peshtigo, Wisconsin (Tyco Fire Products) demonstrate how PFAS contamination tends to target majority-White, economically challenged, rural municipalities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made progress through its PFAS Roadmap and national drinking water standards finalized in 2024. However, enforcement remains underfunded, industrial discharges remain loosely regulated, and no nationwide ban exists. Without stronger action at the source, the burden will continue to fall hardest on those least able to pay.