Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, long-lasting synthetic chemicals that have been in use for decades. Components of PFAS break down slowly over time. Because of their ubiquity and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world, and scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products, from defense and renewable energy technology to medical devices. This makes it challenging to study and assess the potential human health and environmental risks.
Some PFAS are critical to certain uses, including use in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). While some alternatives exist, they are either not as effective at extinguishing chemical or petroleum-based fires or have only been approved to extinguish jet fuel fires. ACD supports broadened research into PFAS alternatives, destruction technologies, and the gradual phase-out of select PFAS where economically feasible and functionally viable alternatives are available. Moreover, ACD backs the responsible and ongoing use of PFAS for critical purposes where no viable alternatives currently exist.
For more information on PFAS-related policies, please explore the topics below and browse ACD’s resource database. For the latest actions in these areas, follow us on X and visit our Newsroom.
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