What is PFAS?
PFAS stands for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are human made chemicals used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. For example, these chemicals are used to make clothes and carpets resistant to stains, keep food from sticking to cookware or packaging, fire fighting foam etc.
Why is it a BIG problem?
PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily. Hence they are also called "Forever Chemicals". They accumulate in the environment and in the human body. They leach into our soil, air, and water. People most likely get exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS contaminated food or water, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS.
Why should we care about PFAS being all around us?
Multiple health effects associated with PFAS exposure have been identified and supported by different scientific studies.
Testicular, kidney, liver and pancreatic cancer.
Reproductive problems
Weakened childhood immunity
Low birth weight
Endocrine disruption
Increased cholesterol
Weight gain in children and dieting adults
In The News
Our Executive Director, Shom Joshi was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune, and the Authority Magazine (a Medium publication).
