PFAS (“per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances”) are a large family of synthetic chemicals, formed by chains of carbon and fluorine atoms, which are particularly resistant and persistent in the environment. Since the 1950s, PFAS have been used in various industrial applications to produce a plethora of commercial products.

Studies of the impact on human health have led to several PFAS being classified as potentially carcinogenic and having endocrine disrupting properties, leading to liver and thyroid dysfunction. Human exposure can be dietary, through the consumption of contaminated water or food.

Find out more about PFAS in this video produced by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe).