Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are sometimes known as “Forever Chemicals” due to the fact that they are resistant to heat, water and oil. They don’t break down easily in the environment and are known to travel extremely long distances through ground water and waterways.
Invented in the 1950s by Du Pont and subsequently manufactured by 3M, PFAS are found in Teflon non-stick pans, Scotch Guard and the AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) commonly used by Defence Forces and Fire Fighters globally until around the year 2000. When 3M exited the PFAS business in the year 2000, studies concluded that 95% of the world’s water was contaminated with PFAS.