Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe, including in the United States since the 1940s. These chemicals are very persistent in the environment and can bio-accumulate in the human body causing adverse health effects. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects. PFAS can be found in:

• Food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that used PFAS, or grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water.
• Commercial household products, including stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products (e.g., Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams (a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs).
• Workplace, including production facilities or industries (e.g., chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery) that use PFAS.
• Drinking water, typically localized and associated with a specific facility (e.g., manufacturer, landfill, wastewater treatment plant, firefighter training facility).
• Living organisms, including fish, animals and humans, where PFAS have the ability to build up and persist over time.

For more information on PFASs, exposure routes, health effects, etc.  Check out EPA’s fact page or their easy to read graphic! Throughout the summer, EPA conducted events with communities impacted by PFAS.

• Exeter, New Hampshire
• Horsham, Pennsylvania
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Fayetteville, North Carolina
• Leavenworth, Kansas

____________________________________________________ Cassie Lee is an Account Manager and Business Development Professional with over a decade of experience in environmental consulting. You can reach her at clee@corner-enviro.com or 317-983-1719 with any questions.