What are PFAS (PFAS: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of man-made chemicals that have been widely utilized in consumer products since the 1950s. They are commonly found in everyday items such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, carpets, and food packaging. Additionally, PFAS are used to enhance the effectiveness of firefighting foams. These chemicals consist of chains of carbon and fluorine atoms, with the carbon-fluorine bond being exceptionally strong. This bond makes PFAS highly resistant to breaking down in the environment.
These substances are notorious for being:
- Widespread in food and water sources
- Highly resistant to environmental breakdown
- Harmful to animal and human health due to bioaccumulation
Why PFAS Matter?
Recent reports highlight the contamination of critical water bodies, including:
- India: Buckingham Canal, Adyar River, Chembarambakkam Lake
- Africa: Lake Victoria, South Africa’s Vaal River, and Kenya’s Nairobi River
These chemicals pose severe risks to public health and ecosystems, making them a relevant topic for both the environment and health sections of the syllabus.
PFAS in Drinking Water and Cancer Risk: Communities with PFAS-contaminated drinking water have up to a 33% higher risk of certain cancers. This contributes to an estimated 6,864 cancer cases annually in the U.S. (Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology)
- PFAS Prevalence: PFAS have been detected in approximately 45% of drinking water supplies across the United States.
