Lingering Problems

In April chemicals manufacturer 3M announced it would soon start repayments to US public drinking water systems as part of a multi-billion-dollar settlement over contamination with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Known as ‘forever chemicals’, PFAS are used in firefighting foam, some household items and waterproof clothes. Added to various products since the 1950s, they can take thousands of years to degrade. Although scientific evidence is currently limited, in recent years there has been concern over their impact on the environment and human life.