PFAS

[ pee-fas ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances: long-lasting chemicals used in cleaning products, cookware coating, fire-fighting foams, makeup, stain-resistant carpeting, etc., that remain in the environment because they break down very slowly, and subsequently accumulate within animals and people: among the substances known as forever chemicals.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of PFAS¹

First recorded in 1990–95; by shortening

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Panel chair Dr Steve Hajioff told the BBC that "PFAS increase the risk of kidney cancer and testicular cancer" and "appear to increase people's cholesterol".

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"We can't be certain at an individual person level whether any problems they have are related to PFAS," he explained.

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But he said it could "prevent those future children from ever being exposed to PFAS".

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People in some areas of the UK are also worried about the impact of PFAS.

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Last year, the UK government also announced it would develop a strategy for PFAS, but it hasn't published a paper yet.

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Pfalz Pfc.

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