What are PFAS and why are they harmful? A comic strip explains

We’re learning that some chemicals found in common household products are alarmingly toxic. This is the first comic in a series about a group of chemicals known as “Forever Chemicals” or PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are used in a wide variety of every-day products and can lead to serious health issues.

Mother holding toddler. Text: What are PFAS and why are harmful?

Household objects that have PFAS. Text: PFAS are a group of chemicals used to prevent grease, stains, and water from sticking. They can be in many products, including: cosmetics, many plastics, cookware, food packaging.

Household objects that have PFAS: toys, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant furniture, carpets and textiles.

Dr. Shirlee Tan, toxicologist, holding a PFAS research update report. Dr. Tan: PFAS also don’t break down, so they are also known as “forever chemicals.” They are almost impossible to destroy.

A person’s torso with images of a uterus and kidneys. Text: There are so many PFAS chemicals that we don’t know all their effects on people. But the data we have shows they are very harmful. PFAS are linked to: Infertility; Prostate, kidney and testicular cancer; Increases to cholesterol and obesity.

A father holding a toddler who has a toy set of keys in its mouth. Text: When PFAS get inside kids, it can lead to low birth weight, earlier puberty, or changes to behavior. It can also make vaccines less effective.

The father taking the toy keys out of his toddler’s mouth in front of a background of household items. The father: They are in so many things. I feel overwhelmed about how to protect my family.

Dr. Tan talking to the father holding the toddler. Text: But it’s not hopeless. Dr. Tan: We can reduce our exposure even if we can’t escape PFAS. That gives our bodies a chance to cycle them out. And that will make a difference to our health.

Follow the Public Health Insider for more in this comic series about actions you can take to protect yourself and your family and how people in King County are keeping their communities safe from PFAS.

Comic by the Lead and Toxics Program, Public Health – Seattle & King County. Artwork by Amy Camber.

For more information on PFAS: PFAS/forever chemicals – King County, Washington

Originally posted on 11/12/24.

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