Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Using Law and Policy to Address These Environmental Health Hazards in the United States
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Originally Published In
Journal of Law-Medicine
Volume Number
31
Issue Number
1
Page Numbers
341
Abstract
Public health concern continues to grow as research reveals more information about the potential health risks associated with exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, referred to collectively as PFAS.1 PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured since the mid-20th century.2 There are more than 3,000 compounds in the PFAS family, but only a few have been studied and receive regulatory attention, despite growing health and environmental justice concerns associated with exposure.3 Adding to this concern is the lack of consistency in the regulatory actions that have been implemented. This article describes some of the legal and policy approaches that have been taken to phase out and regulate these contaminants.
