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50 Elm St., Dedham, MA 02026
781-329-7090
781-326-1250
According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals used since the 1950s to manufacture stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick products. PFAS are widely used in common consumer products such as coatings on food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes, certain types of firefighting foam, and more.
PFAS, known as the “forever chemicals,” stays in the environment for a long time and does not break down easily. As a result, PFAS are widely detected in soil, water, air, and food. Some PFAS can accumulate in the food chain. Exposure can occur when someone uses certain products that contain PFAS, eats PFAS-contaminated food, or drinks PFAS-contaminated water. When ingested, some PFAS can build up in the body, and, over time, these PFAS may increase to a level where health effects could occur.
PFAS are water-soluble. Over time PFAS from some firefighting foam, manufacturing sites, landfills, spills, air deposition from factories, and other releases can seep into surface soils. From there, PFAS can leach into groundwater or surface water and can contaminate drinking water. PFAS have also been found in rivers, lakes, fish, and wildlife.
Click on the video/graphic below to learn where PFAS are found.
Animated graphic of what PFAS are found in with the DWWD Seal. Image of a paint can (text: paints, varnishes, and sealants. Image of shampoo, dental floss, makeup (text: certain personal care items such as shampoos, dental floss, and cosmetics. Image of cleaning product containers (text: household cleaning products and pesticides). Image of a landfill with seagulls and trash (text: soil and water near waste sites/landfills). Image of fast food packaging and candy wrappers (text: food packaging, fast food containers, and candy wrappers). Image of a fire extinguisher (text: fire extinguishing foam). Image of non-stick cookware and utensils (text: non-stick cookware and utensils). Image of rain boots and a rain jacket (text: waterproof clothing and shoes).
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Chrome plating, electronics, and certain textile and paper manufacturers.
At landfills, disposal sites, and hazardous waste sites such as those that fall under the federal Superfund and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act programs.
In aqueous film-forming foams (or AFFFs) used to extinguish flammable liquid-based fires. Such foams are used in training and emergency response events at airports, shipyards, military bases, firefighting training facilities, chemical plants, and refineries.
For example, in fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS and dairy products from livestock exposed to PFAS.
Grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers.
For example, in stain and water-repellent used on carpets, upholstery, clothing, and other fabrics; cleaning products; non-stick cookware; paints, varnishes, and sealants.
For example, certain shampoos, dental floss, and cosmetics.
In public drinking water systems, rivers, streams, brooks, oceans, and private drinking water wells.
For example, fertilizer from wastewater treatment plants that are used on agricultural lands can affect ground and surface water and animals that graze on the land.
According to the EPA, current scientific research suggests that exposure to high levels of certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. However, research is still ongoing to determine how different levels of exposure to different PFAS can lead to a variety of health effects. Research is also underway to better understand the health effects associated with low levels of exposure to PFAS over long periods of time, especially in children.
Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
If you have specific questions/concerns about how PFAS can affect your health, please contact your medical care provider.