PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of chemicals. Many of them are water, grease and dirt repellent, and have very high chemical and thermal stability. Because of these properties, they have been used for decades in numerous everyday and industrial products – for example, in outdoor clothing, ski waxes, pan coatings, food packaging and fire-extinguishing foams, as well as in pesticides and medicines.

The problem is that PFAS are extremely stable and hardly degradable, which is why they accumulate in the environment and in the human body and can now be found almost everywhere. These ‘forever chemicals’ are increasingly coming under criticism because they are associated with health risks. They affect the immune and endocrine systems, increase the risk of certain types of cancer and can be toxic to reproduction. Authorities and industry worldwide are faced with the challenge of limiting emissions and developing alternatives.

Several research institutions, including the aquatic research institute Eawag, have now compiled information on PFAS. This information incorporates the latest scientific findings and political trends and is intended to contribute to objective discussions and informed decision-making.