Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of more than 4000 human-made substances that, due to their unique properties as being water-lipid repellent, and having high chemical and thermal stability, are widely used in consumer products and industrial applications. Examples of the wide range of uses for PFAS are in pesticides, food packaging material, nonstick cookware, furniture wax and fire-fighting foam in fabrics. PFASs are also used as production chemicals for fluorinated polymers in electroplating and they even occur in cosmetics.

Scientific studies have shown that exposure to PFASs can lead to adverse health effects in humans. Exposure pathways for PFASs include drinking water contaminated with PFASs, food containing PFASs from packaging material, exposure through skin contact with products containing PFASs as well as through polluted air.