Law Elevated — PFAS, More Than Just Another Acronym

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ARTICLE IN ITS ENTIRETY.

So, what is PFAS? Simply put, PFAS (per and polyfluoronalkyl substances) is the term used for a family of approximately 5,000 individual man-made fluorinated chemical compounds that are used in our everyday lives. We have been using products containing older and newer versions of PFAS chemicals since the 1940s.

PFAS make your eggs not stick to your skillet, your cheesy pizza not stick to the box, that spilled glass of wine not stain your carpet, and helps your jacket and shoes keep you dry when you get caught in the rain. PFAS are present in a host of other products, too – from popcorn bags and paints to cosmetics, shampoo, conditioners, hand creams, toothpaste and dental floss.