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PFAS: Understanding the Health Risks and History of “Forever Chemicals” in the U.S.

How PFAS can affect your health and outline a timeline of key events in the United States – from their invention and widespread use to growing health concerns, regulatory actions, and corporate accountability.

PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” have become a national concern because they are everywhere and have been linked to serious health problems. For the general U.S. population, exposure to PFAS typically comes from everyday sources like water, food, and consumer products. Current scientific understanding (which is continually evolving) indicates PFAS can affect the body’s systems, contributing to higher cholesterol, a weaker immune response, hormonal disturbances, developmental issues, and even cancer. These health risks, combined with the persistence of PFAS in the environment, have spurred significant action.

$10.3 BILLION SETTLEMENT BY 3M​

In June 2023, 3M agreed to a significant settlement to address widespread concerns about PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems across the United States. This agreement involves 3M paying up to $10.3 billion over a 13-year period to assist public water suppliers in testing for and treating PFAS contamination.

Key Details of the Settlement:

  • Financial Commitment: 3M will provide up to $10.3 billion, payable over 13 years, to support public water suppliers in detecting and removing PFAS from drinking water. ​

  • Scope of the Settlement: The funds are intended for public water systems that have detected PFAS contamination or may do so in the future, ensuring resources are available for both current and potential future remediation efforts. ​

  • Court Approval: The settlement received final approval from the U.S. District Court in Charleston, South Carolina, on March 29, 2024, marking a significant milestone in addressing PFAS-related issues in public water systems

PFAS Exposure: Evidence-Based Health Concerns

Scientific research on PFAS and health is ongoing, but experts have identified several ways these chemicals can impact the human body. In plain language, here are some key health risks linked to certain PFAS:

High Cholesterol: Many studies report that PFAS exposure is associated with increased cholesterol levels. In other words, people with more PFAS in their blood often show higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Immune System Effects: PFAS may weaken our body’s defenses. For example, some PFAS have been shown to reduce the immune system’s response to vaccines. The CDC notes high levels of PFAS can suppress antibody production, meaning you might not get full protection from a vaccine or might be more prone to infections.​

Hormone Disruption: PFAS can interfere with natural hormones – the chemical messengers in our bodies. This hormone disruption can affect different systems, including the thyroid. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to thyroid disease and other hormonal imbalances. Simply put, PFAS may “mess with” your body’s hormones, which regulate growth, metabolism, and stress response.

Reproductive and Developmental Issues: PFAS exposure has been connected to problems with pregnancy and child development. Research suggests pregnant women with higher PFAS levels experienced higher blood pressure (preeclampsia) during pregnancy. PFAS exposure in the womb or in infancy has been linked to lower birth weights in babies and developmental delays (like slightly delayed growth or puberty). In plain terms, PFAS may impact babies before they’re even born, as well as infants and children as they grow.

Certain Cancers: Perhaps the most alarming link is between PFAS and cancer. Higher exposure to PFOA (a well-studied PFAS) is associated with increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers. A landmark study in 2012 (from a court-ordered science panel) found “probable links” between PFOA exposure and six health problems, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. While not everyone exposed will get cancer, this finding means there is strong evidence that PFAS can cause these diseases in some people.

Other Effects: Scientists have observed other changes in people with PFAS exposure, such as changes in liver enzymes (a sign of potential liver damage) and higher risk of obesity in some studies. There are also indications that PFAS might affect fertility (making it harder to get pregnant) and could contribute to conditions like diabetes, but these links are still being studied.

PFAS in the U.S.: How We Got Here

1940s–1950s: Invention & Early Use

  • PFAS chemicals (like PFOA and PFOS) are invented and used in products like Teflon and Scotchgard.

  • 3M begins producing PFAS; DuPont uses them to make non-stick cookware

1960s–1980s: Widespread Use, Internal Warnings

  • PFAS are added to firefighting foam used by the military.

  • 3M and DuPont discover health risks in internal studies (like liver toxicity and PFAS in workers’ blood), but this info isn't shared publicly.

1998–2000: First Lawsuit & Public Awareness

  • A West Virginia farmer sues DuPont after his cows die from water contamination.

  • 3M announces it will phase out PFOS and PFOA, citing health concerns.

2001–2006: Landmark Case & EPA Involvement

  • A class-action lawsuit leads to the C8 Science Panel, which finds links between PFAS and cancer, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol.

  • EPA starts pushing for voluntary phase-outs of PFOA/PFOS.

2016: EPA Lowers Health Advisory

  • EPA sets a new drinking water advisory at 70 parts per trillion for combined PFOA and PFOS – far lower than before.

2018–2020: States Take the Lead

  • Minnesota and others sue 3M and DuPont for PFAS contamination.

  • States like Maine and Washington pass bans on PFAS in consumer products and packaging.

2021: Federal Momentum Builds

  • EPA releases a PFAS Strategic Roadmap.

  • FDA announces a phase-out of PFAS in food packaging.

  • Maine passes the nation’s toughest PFAS ban, effective by 2030.

2023: Major Lawsuits & First Drinking Water Rule Proposed

  • EPA proposes national limits on six PFAS in drinking water.

  • 3M agrees to a $10.3 billion settlement to help water utilities clean up PFAS.

  • DuPont, Chemours, Corteva agree to a $1.19 billion settlement.

2024: Final EPA Regulation

  • EPA finalizes enforceable drinking water limits for key PFAS.

  • 3M’s exit from PFAS manufacturing begins, set to be complete by end of 2025.

The Bottom Line: Why the EU Leads in Chemical Safety

Over the decades, we’ve seen growing awareness and responses – from the first whispers in company labs that PFAS might be toxic, to high-profile lawsuits and billion-dollar settlements holding polluters accountable. Regulators at the EPA, FDA, and state levels have begun to set limits, phase out PFAS uses, and demand cleanup. As of 2025, the U.S. is moving toward stricter control of PFAS in drinking water and products, and companies are starting to eliminate them under public pressure​

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