PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
A large class of synthetic chemicals known as 'forever chemicals' due to their extreme persistence in the environment.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals that contain carbon-fluorine bonds — one of the strongest in chemistry. Used since the 1940s in nonstick coatings, firefighting foams, and water-resistant textiles, PFAS persist indefinitely in soil, water, and living organisms. They are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects.