You may not have heard of PFAS, but it exists in your everyday products, water, and even your bloodstream. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used in various products to make them resistant to water, grease, and stains. PFAS is in non-stick cookware, cleaning products, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and more. The substances in PFAS are so ubiquitous that they are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment and difficulty breaking down. According to the CDC, they pose dangers to human health and can cause cancer, a weakened immune system, decreased fertility, liver damage, and more. The scariest part? Because the chemicals in PFAS don’t break down easily, the moment they enter our bodies and environment, they stay there for years. Resulting in long-term, chronic exposure.  One of the most concerning findings has been the contamination of drinking water. The manufacturing and disposal of PFAS are so widespread that they have been detected in the water systems of major cities and rural towns, posing a grave risk to public health. The people most affected are often those who are inadequately equipped to deal with the consequences. Researchers have found that factors such as race and income have led to disparities in exposure via drinking water. Environmental analysis studies have found that landfills and other waste disposal locations are predominantly in Black and Brown communities. We can attribute this phenomenon to the discriminatory practice of redlining, which has resulted in de-facto racial segregation of our neighborhoods. This leads to unequal environmental protections and investments in water systems.  It leaves these groups far more vulnerable to be exposed to PFAS and leaves them with the burden of maintaining water quality that meets safety standards.  Diana Pham In April, the Biden-Harris Administration finalized our nation’s first drinking water standard for PFAS. After extensive research on the effects of PFAS on public health, the EPA has taken steps to protect people from the health risks associated with exposure to ‘forever chemicals.’ The final action will also contain PFAS enforcement under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This will result in holding entities responsible if they have significantly contributed to the release of PFAS into the environment. This also includes companies that have used PFAS in the manufacturing process.  By designating PFAS as a hazardous substance under CERCLA, it will hold parties accountable for their contributions. Although the government has taken responsibility for supervising the contamination of PFAS in water, it is also our responsibility as consumers to do whatever is necessary to prevent further exposure.  So what can we as consumers do? Starting January 1, 2028, the distribution of regulated items containing PFAS will be prohibited regardless of the warning on their packages. Keeping this future ban in mind, it is clear that the use of PFAS is detrimental to people’s health. It is strongly encouraged that people make a conscious effort to switch to nontoxic products now and protect their health instead of waiting for a ban to take place. Avoid nonstick pans and replace them with stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, or other alternatives. Although these can be less affordable options than non-stick pans, investing in non-toxic alternatives is far more affordable than the potential medical bills that could result from chronic PFAS exposure. It is also advised that you do not heat food in grease-resistant packaging, such as popcorn, and make it on the stove instead. Because public water systems won’t be required to comply with the removal of PFAS in water systems until 2029, you should get a water filter now.  Experts say that a single product cannot expose you to dangerous levels of PFAS, but being mindful of everyday practices such as what you buy at the grocery store, the way you prepare food, the type of furniture you buy, and even considering contacting your local water department to detect PFAS, can all contribute to keeping ourselves safe from the dangers of PFAS.  Diana Pham is a senior at Trinity College, majoring in Public Policy and Law.