What you need to know
What are forever chemicals?
PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are a family of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals that are bio-persistent, meaning they do not break down in the environment and build up in humans and animals over time.
Where are PFAS found?
We can be exposed to forever chemicals from consumer products, drinking water, contaminated food, air, or dust. Everyday items such as rain jackets, cosmetics, and pizza boxes that are waterproof, greaseproof or stain-repellant can also contain forever chemicals. To demand that these chemicals are cleaned up, take action.
What you need to know
What are forever chemicals?
PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are a family of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals that are bio-persistent, meaning they do not break down in the environment and build up in humans and animals over time.
Where are PFAS found?
We can be exposed to forever chemicals from consumer products, drinking water, contaminated food, air, or dust. Everyday items such as rain jackets, cosmetics, and pizza boxes that are waterproof, greaseproof or stain-repellant can also contain forever chemicals. To demand that these chemicals are cleaned up, take action.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PFOA is just one member of a harmful class of more than 4,000 similar chemicals known as PFAS. They are all “forever chemicals,” because they don’t break down in the environment.
99% of humans are believed to have forever chemicals in their blood. Some people are exposed at higher rates. For more information about contamination levels in your area, use EWG’s map.
Harm is caused by long-term exposure to forever chemicals. To learn how you can better protect yourself, check out the DARK WATERS tip sheet.
In early 2019 the EPA announced a wide-ranging plan to address PFAS. This Action Plan is a step in the right direction, but it has not yet resulted in meaningful new PFAS protections. Two decades after Rob sent his letter to EPA alerting the agency to the dangers of PFOA, it is still unregulated in drinking water. To demand stronger protections from forever chemicals by our leaders, click here.
You can find forever chemical-free products for you and your family here.
Firefighter gear needs to be able to withstand fire, water and high temperature. For this reason, the chemical coatings used to create the majority of this protective gear contain forever chemicals. Firefighters are also exposed to higher levels of forever chemical contamination from firefighting foam and contaminated fire stations.
DARK WATERS is a film based on the New York Times Magazine article, “The Lawyer Who Became Dupont’s Worst Nightmare” written by Nathaniel Rich about the true story of Rob Bilott’s twenty-year battle against DuPont and forever chemicals. To learn more about his work and the forever chemicals contamination crisis, you can check out his story in his book Exposure.
Why we fight
People from PFAS contaminated communities across the country are joining together to tell their stories and demand justice. They’re fighting back, and you can too.
What now?
We understand that the fight against forever chemicals can feel overwhelming and undefeatable. But there are ways to protect yourself and hold polluters accountable. Make sure your family, friends and loved ones know about forever chemicals and how they can protect themselves. Spread the word on social media using the videos and images below.
Our other films
At Participant, we believe that a story well told can make a difference. Totally Under Control, like Dark Waters, exposes the truth about what happens when profits are valued over people – and the individuals who have the courage to stand up to authority. Meanwhile, John Lewis: Good Trouble and Slay the Dragon show us what it looks like to make the people’s voice heard.