Forever chemicals: the persistent effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on human health

Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of thousands of humanmade chemical pollutants that have the potential to persist in both the environment and the human body. An increasing number of epidemiological studies have documented adverse health risks that are associated with PFAS exposure, including increased risks of some cancers, reduced immune function, and developmental delays in children. A systematic review published in Exposure and Health in 2022 reported that the cost of PFAS-attributable diseases in the USA is at least US$5.5 billion annually and could be as high as $62 billion annually.

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