PFAS

American

[pee-fas] / ˈpiˌfæs /

noun

perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances: long-lasting chemicals used in cleaning products, cookware coating, fire-fighting foams, makeup, stain-resistant carpeting, etc., that remain in the environment because they break down very slowly, and subsequently accumulate within animals and people: among the substances known as forever chemicals.

Etymology

Origin of PFAS

First recorded in 1990–95; by shortening

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Blood samples from each participant were tested for 11 different PFAS.

From Science Daily

Like other PFAS, they are highly persistent, build up in the body over time, and have been associated with toxic health effects.

From Science Daily

These substances, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, include thousands of compounds that are still widely used.

From Science Daily

The findings show that babies are exposed before birth to a diverse mix of PFAS, including perfluorinated chemicals, polyfluorinated chemicals, and fluorotelomers.

From Science Daily

A Consumer Reports review of 41 types of powdered infant formula last year found that about half contained detectable levels of contaminants such as arsenic, lead and “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023