What is ATSDR doing?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since about the 1940s. They are ingredients in various everyday products. For example, PFAS are used to keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware, make clothes and carpets resistant to stains, and create firefighting foam that is more effective. Scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposure to PFAS.

ATSDR is committed to reviewing the science on PFAS and providing evidence-based information as it becomes available.