PFAS Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances Web Site

ArticleLast updated Friday, April 7, 2017
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The per-and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) were previously referred to as perfluorochemicals (PFCs). PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Fluoropolymer coatings can be used in such varied products as clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire. Many chemicals in this group, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been a concern because they do not break down in the environment, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources, and they build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife. PFAS have been found in rivers and lakes and in many types of animals on land and in the water.

Supplemental Resources

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Biomonitoring in California Firefighters

Research project designed to assess California firefighters' blood concentrations of selected chemicals and compare with a representative US population.

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Firefighter Occupational Exposures -FOX Project

Firefighter Occupational Exposures - FOX Project from Biomonitoring

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Aqueous Film-Forming Foam - AFFF Fact Sheet

Summarizes the latest science and emerging technologies regarding Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - PFAS

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