The Science
What are PFAS and PFOA?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals used since the 1940s in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foam. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the most well-known PFAS.
They’re known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment — and accumulate in our water, soil, and bodies over time.
- Found in drinking water worldwide
- Bioaccumulates in the human body
- Detected far from industrial sources
- Resistant to traditional filtration



