Topic Hub
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of more than 12,000 synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in nonstick coatings, stain repellents, food packaging, and firefighting foams. Because the carbon-fluorine bond does not break down in the environment or human body, PFAS are commonly called "forever chemicals." Mounting epidemiological evidence links PFAS exposure—particularly to PFOA and PFOS—to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. The largest litigation tracks are MDL 2873 (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam personal injury and municipal water) and a growing wave of state attorney general actions against 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and other manufacturers. The EPA finalized PFOA and PFOS designations as hazardous substances under CERCLA in 2024, dramatically increasing cleanup liability and discovery exposure.