PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are thousands of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s to make products resist heat, grease, stains and water. Their carbon-fluorine bonds break down extremely slowly, so they persist in people and the environment, which is why they are called “forever chemicals.” Research is still developing, but some PFAS are linked to health effects.
- Firefighters
- Manufacturing Workers
- Water Utility Workers
- Households
- Safety Managers
Where PFAS are found
- Firefighting foam: aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used at airports, military sites and fire training areas. See Fire Prevention.
- Industry: chrome plating mist suppressants, textile and carpet treatments, paper coatings, semiconductors, cleaning products and some plastics and rubbers.
- Consumer products: nonstick cookware, water- and stain-resistant fabrics, some food packaging and cosmetics.
- Drinking water and soil near manufacturing plants, airports, military bases and landfills, and in some private wells. See Well Water.
- Dust and air in workplaces that make or use them.
Health concerns
- Studies have linked some PFAS to higher cholesterol, effects on the immune system and vaccine response, thyroid disease, liver effects, lower birth weight, kidney and testicular cancer and other conditions. Evidence varies by chemical and level.
- PFAS build up in the blood over years. Exposure by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, swallowing dust and breathing fumes all contribute.
- Firefighters and workers handling PFAS-containing foam or products may have higher exposure. See Occupational Cancer.
- Scientists continue to study safe levels. Check current guidance from the EPA, ATSDR and your state.
Rules and limits
- OSHA has no specific permissible exposure limits for most PFAS. Employers still must follow the hazard communication rule, provide training and protection under the General Duty Clause and other standards. See Hazard Communication and Safety Data Sheets.
- In 2024 the EPA set national drinking water limits for several PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion. Compliance dates and any changes can vary, so check the current EPA rules and your water utility's reports.
- Many states have their own PFAS limits, bans on PFAS foam and product restrictions.
Reducing exposure
- At work: read SDSs and product labels, substitute PFAS-free products where possible, use local exhaust ventilation, wet cleaning and HEPA vacuums, and avoid dry sweeping. See Ventilation and Dust Control Methods.
- Use PPE (gloves, coveralls, eye protection and respirators when needed), and don't eat, drink or smoke in work areas. Wash hands and change clothes before leaving. See Take-Home Contamination.
- Firefighters: follow decontamination procedures for turnout gear, limit foam use and clean gear after fires and training.
- At home: check your water utility's PFAS test results, test private wells, use a certified filter (activated carbon or reverse osmosis rated for PFAS) if needed, and choose PFAS-free products when practical.
- Ask your doctor about blood testing if you have heavy exposure; results may be hard to interpret, but doctors can guide follow-up.
PFAS checklist
- I know whether PFAS products are used at my workplace and read the SDS
- Safer substitutes and ventilation are used where possible
- I wear the PPE required and wash up before leaving work
- I checked my drinking water's PFAS results and test private wells
- I follow decontamination steps if I work with firefighting foam
Standards & references
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