Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that are used widely throughout society and are detected in the environment.
They all contain carbon-fluorine bonds, which are one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry. This means that they resist degradation when used and also in the environment. Most PFAS are also easily transported in the environment covering long distances away from the source of their release. 

PFAS have been frequently observed to contaminate groundwater, surface water and soil. Cleaning up polluted sites is technically difficult and costly. If releases continue, they will continue to accumulate in the environment, drinking water and food.

Want to learn more? Visit the website of the European Chemicals Agency