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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Rachel Salvidge and Leana Hosea

What are PFAS, how toxic are they and how do you become exposed?

PFAS foam gathers at the the Van Etten Creek dam in Oscoda township, Michigan,  near Wurtsmith Air Force Base.
PFAS foam gathers at the the Van Etten Creek dam in Oscoda township, Michigan, near Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Photograph: Jake May/AP

What are PFAS ‘forever chemicals’?

You may not realise it but you have an intimate relationship with PFAS. The human-made chemicals are in your blood, your clothes, your cosmetics. They have been detected in air, water, soils, sediments, and in rain at levels that would be considered unsafe in drinking water in some countries.

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