The Issue:

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS) are a class of over 12000 chemicals used

in everyday products - from food packaging, toiletries, non-stick cookware, rain jackets, carpets

resistant to stain, fire fighting foam etc. 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". Some forms of PFAS can

take over a thousand years to degrade. 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. 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

Almost all of the PFAS ever made is still out in our environment today. More than 99% of

Americans have been found to have PFOS and PFOA (these are two well known forms of

PFAS) in their blood. That’s why we need to tackle this on a war footing. Simply continuing to

make slow progress (like in the last twenty odd years) would be just putting a band aid on this

problem.