Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS, Perfluorinated Chemicals, PFCs)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), are a group of man-made chemicals. These chemicals, which include PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE, are widely used to make products more resistant to stains, grease, and water. They are commonly found in nonstick cookware, waterproofed clothing, and stain-resistant sofas and carpets. PFAS are persistent in the environment, and exposure to these chemicals has been linked with adverse health effects. Studies on laboratory animals have shown developmental and reproductive, kidney and liver, and immunological effects. The most common findings from human epidemiology studies link PFAS to increased cholesterol levels, low infant birth rates, immunological problems, cancer, and thyroid hormone disruption. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources