The ‘forever chemicals’ in 99% of Americans

In 1946, DuPont introduced Teflon to the world, changing millions of people’s lives – and polluting their bodies. Today, the family of compounds including Teflon, commonly called PFAS, is found not only in pots and pans but also in the blood of people around the world, including 99 percent of Americans. PFAS chemicals pollute water, do not break down, and remain in the environment and people for decades. Some scientists call them “forever chemicals."

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A PFAS Story: Hope Grosse and Joanne Stanton

Hope Grosse and Joanne Stanton are lifelong residents of the Philadelphia suburbs. In 2014, they learned that their community's drinking water had been contaminated by toxic PFAS chemicals. Now, they are raising awareness of PFAS chemicals around the country and fighting to get them out of our environment.

Tell Congress: Stop the PFAS Contamination Crisis

We need your help to protect our environment from toxic PFAS chemicals.

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Mapping the PFAS contamination crisis
What are ‘forever chemicals’?

In 1946, DuPont introduced nonstick cookware coated with Teflon. Today the family of fluorinated chemicals that sprang from Teflon includes thousands of nonstick, stain-repellent and waterproof compounds called PFAS, short for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS are used in a staggering array of consumer products and commercial applications. Decades of heavy use have resulted in contamination of water, soil and the blood of people and animals in the farthest corners of the world. PFAS are incredibly persistent, never breaking down in the environment and remaining in our bodies for years.

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Plotting out the PFAS contamination crisis
Protect yourself against PFAS

Tougher laws and regulations are essential, but you can also take steps to protect yourself and your family today. Learn how to reduce your exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water and consumer products.

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