Fact Check: Pfas are chemicals that do not break down naturally in the environment.

Fact Check: "PFAS are chemicals that do not break down naturally in the environment."

What We Know

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industries since the 1940s. These substances are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their remarkable resistance to degradation in the environment. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), PFAS break down slowly, if at all, leading to persistent contamination in soil, water, and living organisms. Research indicates that PFAS can accumulate over time in both humans and wildlife, with studies showing that they are present in the blood of approximately 97% of Americans (NIEHS).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also highlights the persistence of PFAS, noting that they "are widely used, long-lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time" (EPA). This slow degradation contributes to their widespread presence in the environment and raises concerns about long-term exposure and health effects.

Analysis

The claim that PFAS do not break down naturally in the environment is supported by multiple credible sources. The NIEHS emphasizes that PFAS are resistant to breakdown, which leads to their accumulation in the environment and in human bodies (NIEHS). Similarly, experts from Yale University describe PFAS as having a strong carbon-fluorine bond, which is exceptionally resistant to environmental degradation, allowing them to persist for decades (Yale).

Moreover, the EPA corroborates these findings, stating that PFAS are "long-lasting chemicals" that are found in various environmental media, including water and soil, due to their slow breakdown rates (EPA). The characterization of PFAS as "forever chemicals" is widely accepted in scientific literature, indicating a consensus on their persistent nature.

While some newer methods are being developed to degrade PFAS, such as innovative chemical treatments, these technologies are still in the research phase and are not yet widely implemented (Northwestern). Therefore, the assertion that PFAS do not break down naturally remains valid based on current scientific understanding.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that PFAS are chemicals that do not break down naturally in the environment is supported by substantial evidence from reputable sources. The consensus among environmental health experts and regulatory agencies is that PFAS are persistent in the environment, leading to significant health and ecological concerns.