PFAS-Free: What Does It Mean?

PFAS Explained

Per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 4,700 synthetic chemicals that first came into common use in the 1950s. They share a similar molecular structure: a carbon chain and the element fluorine.

The appeal of these chemicals is their unique ability to repel both grease and water. They’re used not only for keeping household items clean and dry, but also in medical settings to prevent the spread of infection, to protect people as they’re exposed to extreme temperatures, as a barrier to UV rays, and even to preserve the integrity of bulletproof fabrics.

However, the carbon-fluorine bond is so strong that this group is sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.” Experts believe that almost every PFAS ever made still exists. They have been found in water and food supplies all over the world, impacting the health and safety of both humans and wildlife. Health issues linked to PFAS include cancer, reduced immune response, and reproductive and hormonal disruptions.