What are PFAS?
PFAS are a class of chemicals that are used to make products grease proof, waterproof and stain resistant. PFAS chemicals have been dubbed “forever chemicals” because they and their breakdown products are extremely persistent, lasting thousands of years or more. Unfortunately, they are also linked to a wide array of serious health problems.
What are the health effects?
Small amounts of PFAS in the body can cause many serious health problems. Certain PFAS are linked to cancer, including kidney, liver and testicular cancers. In addition, PFAS exposure may increase the risk of high cholesterol (which triggers heart attacks), reproductive toxicity (linked to birth defects and infertility), developmental toxicity (linked to lower IQ) and for pregnant women, preeclampsia, which includes high blood pressure and is linked to kidney disease.
Learn more about the health impacts, especially when it comes to first responders, in our new short film!