Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of synthetic chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products. PFAS have garnered significant attention due to their environmental persistence and potential adverse health effects. Growing evidence links PFAS exposure to developmental, immunological, hepatic, and endocrine impacts. However, their widespread use and environmental persistence make it challenging to assess human health and ecological risks comprehensively. Significant uncertainties remain, including variability in toxicity across different PFAS compounds, linear dose-response relationships, and limited understanding of long-term effects from chronic low-level exposure. Researchers continue to advance methods to detect and quantify PFAS in environmental media such as water, soil, air, and biota, and to assess their harmful impacts on both human and environmental health. In parallel, federal and state agencies are developing and updating regulatory standards aimed at mitigating these risks. This presentation will explore the health implications of PFAS exposure, emphasizing the evolving understanding of their toxicity and the key uncertainties that complicate risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for improving public health protection and informing effective decision-making.
