PFAS (Per-and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances)

TL;DR

something.

Linked to the male infertility crisis

Forever chemicals - persistent (indefinitely in many cases) organic environmental pollutants - of which there are tens of thousands in use. Most are also bioaccumulative, particularly in aquatic organisms. The most well know are;

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) - aka C8 - toxic and considered a carcinogen
GenX - a PFOA alternative - toxic and likely a carcinogen
Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) - possibly carcinogenic
Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)
Perfluoroalkyl Acid (PFAA)
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - aka Teflon - probably safe

https://dwi.gov.uk/pfas-and-forever-chemicals

Popular;

non-stick
water repellance
anti-grease

Used in;

skin creams and cosmetics,
car and floor polish,
rinse aid for dishwashers,
textile and fabric treatments,
food packaging and microwave popcorn bags,
baking equipment,
frying pans,
outdoor clothing and shoes
firefighting foam

Two kinds; polymers (PTFE, FEP, ETFE and PFA) and non-polymers. Research and most concern is about polymers due to them being the most commonly detected so far in humans, biota, and other environmental media.

Water Contamination

Commonly found in rain, ground and drinking water - although now monitored in the UK

Water companies in England and Wales are subject to guidance from the DWI with a guideline value of 0.1 micrograms per litre for the sum of 48 named PFAS, which is equivalent to 0.1 parts per billion. ¹

Drinking Water Inspectorate

Getting Them Out of Your Body

Give blood

PFAS (Per-and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances)

Water Contamination

Getting Them Out of Your Body

Further Reading