More than 165 million Americans may be drinking water contaminated with PFAS – synthetic ‘forever chemicals’ linked to serious health problems.
From firefighting foam on military bases to stain-resistant carpeting in homes, these substances have become embedded in modern life. Now, decades after their introduction, the US is confronting the PFAS chemicals crisis that won’t fade without a fight.
Through new laws, scientific innovation, and community advocacy, the country is attempting to undo years of damage. But can we keep up with the scale of contamination and ensure no one is left behind?
What are PFAS? The chemistry behind the crisis
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals with a carbon-fluorine bond, the strongest in organic chemistry.
This bond makes PFAS exceptionally durable and resistant to heat, water, and oil, earning them the nickname forever chemicals.
Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams.
Their industrial value is clear, but so is the environmental cost. These substances don’t break down easily, meaning they persist in soil, water, and even human bodies for years.
Their durability, once considered a feature, is now a liability. Scientists are still trying to understand the number of types of PFAS chemicals that exist and how to safely remove them from the environment, a complexity that increases as new PFAS variants are identified.
Health and environmental risks: What PFAS exposure really means
Research has linked PFAS exposure to a growing list of health problems: certain cancers (kidney, testicular), immune system suppression, thyroid disorders, and reproductive issues, among others.
These chemicals accumulate in human tissue over time – a process known as bioaccumulation – intensifying their effects.
In the environment, PFAS contaminate drinking water, affect wildlife, and disrupt ecosystems. Once released, they can travel long distances, turning local spills into national concerns.
For residents in places like Parkersburg, West Virginia, or Fayetteville, North Carolina – where PFAS contamination has made headlines – these risks aren’t theoretical. They’re lived experiences.
Contamination hotspots: Where PFAS strikes hardest
PFAS contamination is not evenly spread – it clusters around certain high-risk zones. These include:
- Military bases, where PFAS-laden firefighting foam has been used extensively
- Industrial facilities manufacturing or processing PFAS-containing products
- Agricultural regions, where contaminated sludge was used as fertiliser
Maps from the Environmental Working Group and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have identified over 9,300 confirmed PFAS-contaminated sites across the US, though experts believe the true number is much higher and continues to grow as more testing is conducted.
Accurate mapping is vital for identifying at-risk communities, prioritising cleanups, and shaping effective policy responses.
How US lawmakers are responding
The legal response to PFAS has intensified in recent years, as awareness of their danger grows. Key legislative developments include:
- Hazardous substance designation under CERCLA: The EPA has proposed designating PFOA and PFOS, two of the most common PFAS, as hazardous substances. This would hold polluters financially responsible for cleanups.
- Enforceable drinking water standards: In April 2024, the EPA finalised national limits for six PFAS compounds in drinking water, aiming to protect over 100 million people.
- Expanded reporting requirements: Updates to the Toxics Release Inventory now require manufacturers to report on dozens of PFAS chemicals, boosting transparency.
Still, gaps remain, especially in regulating the thousands of lesser-known PFAS variants and ensuring consistency across state and federal laws, which can be a complex and lengthy process.
Cleanup efforts: Science, communities, and a $2bn push
Cleaning up PFAS is daunting, but not impossible. The US is investing in new technologies and local partnerships to tackle the crisis head-on.
- Emerging solutions:
- Advanced filtration systems using activated carbon and ion exchange resins
- Thermal destruction to break carbon-fluorine bonds
- Bioremediation, where microbes are trained to degrade PFAS
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates over $2bn specifically for PFAS removal in drinking water systems, prioritising underserved communities. This is part of a larger, unprecedented federal investment to strengthen the nation’s drinking water infrastructure.
Equally important is community engagement. In contaminated towns, residents are advocating for testing, transparency, and restitution. Their voices are shaping both the science and the solutions.
What’s next? Innovation, inclusion, and urgency
The road ahead is filled with complex challenges and opportunities for bold innovation.
- Key priorities:
- Technology development: Invest in scalable, affordable methods to detect and destroy PFAS.
- Regulatory harmonisation: Align varied state and federal standards to avoid a patchwork of protections, streamlining efforts across the nation.
- Environmental justice: Ensure that low-income and marginalised communities, often disproportionately affected, aren’t left behind in cleanup and prevention efforts.
Momentum is building, but the clock is ticking. PFAS contamination is ongoing, and so must be our response.
Fighting a chemical legacy
The fight against PFAS chemicals is not just a scientific or political battle – it’s a moral one. These invisible, enduring chemicals have reshaped ecosystems, harmed health, and shaken public trust. Now, with greater awareness and unprecedented resources, the US has a chance to turn the tide.
But success will depend on collaboration, innovation, and persistence. This isn’t just about reversing past damage; it’s about building a future where no community has to fear what comes out of its tap.
