PFAS
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Chemistry
| Stands for | Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
PFAS stands for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a chemistry abbreviation.
Large class of thousands of synthetic chemicals built on chains of carbon-fluorine bonds, among the strongest in chemistry. Used in nonstick coatings, waterproof clothing, food packaging and firefighting foams, they barely break down, earning the nickname "forever chemicals," and are found in drinking water and in the blood of most people.
Example: The utility is installing carbon filters after testing found PFAS above the new federal limit.
Usage notes
Commonly pronounced "pee-fass." In 2024 the US EPA set the first national drinking-water limits for PFAS, including 4 parts per trillion each for PFOA and PFOS. Exposure has been linked to certain cancers, thyroid disease and reduced vaccine response. Regulators define the class differently, so estimates of how many chemicals it includes range from thousands to millions.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- PAH – Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
- PC – Polycarbonate
- PCB – Polychlorinated biphenyl
- PE – Polyethylene
- PEG – Polyethylene glycol (laxative and bowel preparation)
- PET – Polyethylene terephthalate
- PFOA – Perfluorooctanoic acid
- PFOS – Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
- pH – Potential of hydrogen
- pKa – Acid dissociation constant (negative logarithm)
- PLA – Polylactic acid
- PMMA – Poly(methyl methacrylate)