Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Introduction to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

What are PFAS and why are they a problem?

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of thousands of human-made chemicals that have been used widely in consumer products and industry since the 1940s. Due to their unique chemical structure, PFAS are extremely stable and repel oil, grease, water, and heat. Despite their long history of use, scientific studies have shown PFAS have serious adverse impacts on human health and the environment, even at very low levels.

The same properties that make PFAS stable also make them extremely resistant to breaking down in the environment (persistent), giving them the nickname “Forever Chemicals.” PFAS also migrate easily in water and air, and because of their persistence, can travel far from where they were used or released to the environment.

Where do PFAS come from?

PFAS have been manufactured and used worldwide since the 1940s. Due to their chemical stability, heat resistance, and ability to repel oil and water, PFAS are used in thousands of consumer products and industrial processes.

A number of commercial and industrial processes have been identified as potential users and/or producers of PFAS. These locations are considered potential sources of PFAS release to the environment; site-specific investigations are needed to confirm the actual presence and/or use of PFAS by a given facility. Industrial facilities of particular PFAS-related concern include:

Organic chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers (OCPSF) manufacturers
Metal finishing operations
Scrap metal recycling facilities, particularly those engaged in automobile recycling
Electroplating facilities
Electrics and electric components manufacturers
Pulp and paper manufacturing
Leather tanning and finishing operations
Paint formulating operations
Plastic molding and forming operations
Textile mills
Automotive manufacturing facilities

Additional sources of potential PFAS release to the environment that have been identified include any locations that have historically used or stored PFAS-containing fire fighting foam, including firefighting training facilities, airports, military installations, shipyards, chemical plants, bulk fuel transfer facilities, and petroleum refineries.

Consumer products that may contain PFAS include:

Nonstick cookware
Coated paper products including grease-resistant food packaging
Water-resistant and stain-resistant clothing, furniture, and carpets
Cosmetics and personal care products
Toilet paper
Household cleaning products, laundry detergents, carpet cleaners
Floor, car, boat, and ski waxes
Fertilizers made from biosolids
Pesticides

The use and eventual disposal of these products contributes to PFAS contamination in landfills, waste incinerator emissions, septic system leakages and wastewater discharges.

What are the environmental and human health impacts of PFAS?

Research on the human health and ecological impacts of PFAS is rapidly evolving. Some PFAS have been proven to accumulate within the body (bioaccumulate) in humans and animals when ingested. Certain PFAS have been linked to health risks including developmental effects in fetuses and infants; decreased liver, thyroid, and immune system function; high cholesterol, and kidney and testicular cancer.

For additional PFAS-related health information, private well treatment options, and a list of labs approved by CT DPH for PFAS analysis in Connecticut, visit the DPH PFAS Webpage.

Additional Resources:

What is DEEP doing to address PFAS?

On July 8, 2019, Governor Ned Lamont established the Connecticut Interagency PFAS Task Force, and tasked DEEP and DPH with serving as co-chairs. The Task Force was charged with developing a comprehensive PFAS strategy for the State that would 1) minimize human health risk for Connecticut residents, 2) minimize future releases of PFAS to the environment, and 3) identify, assess, and clean up historic releases of PFAS to the environment. On November 4, 2019, the Connecticut PFAS Action Plan was finalized.

Since its release, the PFAS Action Plan has served as the road map for DEEP's response to PFAS contamination concerns in Connecticut. DEEP efforts include implementing a ban on the use of fluorinated foam, establishing a foam take-back program, investigation of PFAS contamination in private wells, implementing a ban on the intentional addition of PFAS to food packaging, a phased-in ban on PFAS in consumer products, monitoring PFAS concentrations in surface waters and fish tissues, as well as numerous other actions.

To learn more, please visit the DEEP PFAS Main Page.

Contact Information

Questions or comments regarding the environmental impacts of PFAS in Connecticut should be sent to DEEP.PFAS@ct.gov.

Content last updated November 29, 2024.