PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of perfluorinated substances counting more than 5,000 chemical compounds.
They are present in a wide range of products such as
- food packaging
- paints, varnishes, inks, dyes
- water- and stain-repellent coatings
- pesticides & herbicides
- foam extinguishers (excluding CO2 extinguishers)
- non-stick coatings
- waterproof clothing
- shampoos, sun creams, cosmetics…
PFAS are highly persistent, mobile in the environment and bioaccumulative.
As a result, these pollutants can end up in the soil, in groundwater (via industries, foam extinguishers, waste water) and in the human body.