PFAS

PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. The properties of PFAS have resulted in many benefits, such as being highly resistant to heat, water and oil, which have resulted in many benefits. Therefore, they have been used for a wide variety of applications, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, waterproof clothing and firefighting foam, to name just a few. However, these very properties/uses have resulted in widespread contamination within the environment. It was not until the late 1990s that the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure started to gain attention.

The unique chemical properties of PFAS make them very difficult to detect and measure in the environment. PFAS are highly resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment for decades, leading to accumulation and potential health risks for humans and wildlife. Another reason is that research on the health effects of PFAS exposure is still relatively new, and the full extent of the risks associated with exposure to PFAS can lead to a range of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system problems.

It has not been until recently that Regulatory bodies began to consider PFAS and start to develop guidelines and regulations, which have raised awareness of the issue and increased efforts to detect and manage PFAS contamination.