PFAS: The New Asbestos?

Summary

After years of use in manufactured products, "PFAS", or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are common in the environment. Comparatively little is known about most of them, but evidence of the harm that they can do is growing. Regulation is increasing, and liability is very likely to be on the way.

Introduction

PFAS comprise a large family of thousands of synthetic chemicals. They all contain carbon-fluorine bonds which are among the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry.

PFAS have unique properties. For instance, they are stable under intense heat. Many of them also act as water or grease repellents. They have been used to make a very wide range of products over the years in many areas including in aerospace and defence, automotive, textiles, fire-fighting and food processing.