What Are PFAS? Uses, Risks, Regulations, and Testing Explained

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of synthetic chemicals used to make products resistant to water, grease, stains, heat, and chemicals.

PFAS have been used in manufacturing and consumer products since the 1940s because they provide excellent non-stick and barrier properties. Today, thousands of different PFAS compounds exist and are used in industries ranging from food packaging and textiles to electronics and industrial manufacturing.

What makes PFAS unique is their extremely strong carbon-fluorine bond. This bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry and makes PFAS highly resistant to natural degradation.

Because they break down very slowly and can remain in the environment for many years, PFAS are commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

Why Are PFAS Called Forever Chemicals?

PFAS are referred to as forever chemicals because they are highly persistent and do not easily degrade under natural environmental conditions.

They can resist:

• Heat
• Chemical reactions
• Sunlight exposure
• Biological degradation
• Environmental weathering

Once released into the environment, many PFAS compounds can remain in:

• Soil
• Rivers and lakes
• Groundwater
• Marine environments
• Living organisms

This persistence is one of the primary reasons PFAS have become a significant environmental and regulatory concern worldwide.

Types of PFAS

PFAS consist of thousands of individual compounds with different chemical structures and properties.

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)

PFOA was widely used in the production of non-stick coatings, water-resistant materials, and industrial applications.

Many countries have now restricted or phased out PFOA due to environmental and health concerns.

PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)

PFOS was commonly used in:

• Firefighting foams
• Stain-resistant products
• Surface treatment applications
• Industrial manufacturing processes

PFOS is also heavily regulated in many countries.

Long-Chain PFAS

Long-chain PFAS generally contain eight or more carbon atoms and tend to accumulate more readily in the environment and biological systems.

Examples include:

• PFOA
• PFOS

Short-Chain PFAS

Short-chain PFAS contain fewer carbon atoms and are often used as alternatives to long-chain compounds.

Examples include:

• PFBS
• GenX chemicals

Although some short-chain PFAS are considered less bioaccumulative, regulatory authorities continue to evaluate their long-term impacts.

Where Are PFAS Found?

PFAS are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products because of their ability to repel water, grease, and oil.

PFAS in Food Packaging

PFAS have historically been used to provide grease resistance in food packaging materials.

Common applications include:

• Fast-food wrappers
• Microwave popcorn bags
• Pizza boxes
• Bakery papers
• Disposable food containers
• Molded fiber packaging

PFAS in Textiles and Apparel

PFAS treatments are widely used to improve water and stain resistance.

Applications include:

• Outdoor clothing
• Rain jackets
• Protective workwear
• Upholstery fabrics
• Carpets
• Medical textiles

PFAS in Non-Stick Cookware

PFAS have been used in certain non-stick coatings because they provide:

• Heat resistance
• Low friction properties
• Easy cleaning performance

PFAS in Firefighting Foams

PFAS-based aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) have been widely used to extinguish fuel fires.

Common usage locations include:

• Airports
• Military facilities
• Industrial plants
• Petrochemical facilities

Firefighting foam is considered one of the largest sources of PFAS contamination globally.

PFAS in Electronics and Industrial Applications

PFAS are used in various industrial applications because they remain stable under demanding conditions.

Applications include:

• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Circuit boards
• Cable insulation
• Industrial coatings
• Metal plating
• Hydraulic fluids

PFAS in Consumer Products

PFAS may also be present in various household products, including:

• Cosmetics
• Cleaning products
• Waterproof sprays
• Stain-resistant furniture
• Personal care products

Why Are PFAS a Concern?

Regulatory concern surrounding PFAS has increased significantly because of their persistence and widespread environmental distribution.

Environmental Persistence

PFAS degrade extremely slowly and may remain in the environment for many years.

Contamination has been identified in:

• Drinking water
• Soil
• Rivers
• Groundwater
• Marine environments

Environmental remediation can be technically challenging and costly.

Bioaccumulation

Certain PFAS compounds can accumulate in humans and animals over time.

Studies have identified PFAS in:

• Human blood samples
• Wildlife
• Fish and aquatic organisms
• Food chains

Long-term exposure may increase overall body burden.

Potential Health Risks

Scientific research is ongoing, but studies have identified possible associations between PFAS exposure and:

• Immune system effects
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Liver function changes
• Developmental effects
• Hormonal disruption
• Certain cancer associations

Health impacts may vary depending on the specific PFAS compound and exposure level.

Drinking Water Contamination

PFAS contamination of drinking water has become a major concern worldwide.

Potential contamination sources include:

• Industrial discharges
• Firefighting foam runoff
• Landfill leachate
• Wastewater treatment systems

Because PFAS are highly mobile in water, contamination can spread over large distances.

How Are PFAS Regulated?

PFAS regulations continue to expand across global markets.

Regulatory controls may include:

• Substance bans
• Concentration limits
• Reporting requirements
• Drinking water standards
• Food contact material restrictions
• Environmental monitoring requirements

Several jurisdictions, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and parts of Asia-Pacific, have introduced PFAS-related regulations that affect manufacturers, importers, and exporters.

As PFAS regulations continue to expand globally, businesses must implement effective supplier controls, material verification, and testing programs to maintain compliance. Learn more in our guide on How to Ensure PFAS Compliance in Your Supply Chain.

How Are PFAS Tested?

PFAS testing helps businesses identify fluorinated substances and verify compliance with regulations.

Total Fluorine (TF)

Used as a screening method to detect fluorinated compounds.

Total Organic Fluorine (TOF)

Used to evaluate fluorinated organic substances present within materials.

Targeted PFAS Analysis

Usually performed using LC-MS/MS to identify and quantify specific PFAS compounds.

Migration Testing

Used to determine whether PFAS substances transfer from materials into food or other contact media.

Testing requirements vary depending on:

• Product category
• Target market
• Applicable regulations
• Customer requirements

How Businesses Can Manage PFAS Compliance

As regulations continue to evolve, businesses should establish proactive PFAS compliance programs.

Recommended actions include:

• Understanding applicable regulations
• Reviewing supplier declarations
• Conducting PFAS testing
• Maintaining material traceability
• Monitoring regulatory developments
• Implementing chemical management systems

A structured compliance approach helps reduce regulatory risk and supports market access.

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PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals valued for their resistance to water, grease, heat, and chemical degradation. Their widespread use across industries has contributed to significant environmental and regulatory concerns because many PFAS compounds persist for long periods and can accumulate in the environment and living organisms.

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Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS