pfas

PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also PFAS, PFASs, and informally called "forever chemicals") are a group of synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain; 7 million such chemicals are listed in PubChem.

Widespread use of PFAS began in 1938 with the invention of Teflon, a fluoropolymer coating that resists heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. They are used in a wide variety of products including waterproof fabric, yoga pants, carpets, shampoo, mobile phone screens, wall paint, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, firefighting foam, electrical insulation, and cosmetics.