PFAS are a large group of compounds that have been used to make everyday products such as clothing and pans resistant to stains, grease, and water. They are also a component of aqueous film-forming foams, which have been used for fire suppression at airports, industrial facilities, and military sites.

PFAS are found globally and have been detected in soil, surface and groundwater, wildlife, and in humans. While researchers have established links between exposure to some PFAS and disease, many of these chemicals have not been studied and there is still much to learn about how PFAS may be affecting human health.

NIEHS is committed to studying the health outcomes and cleanup of PFAS, as well as communicating research findings to diverse audiences. NIEHS-funded research has revealed associations between PFAS exposures and a variety of adverse human health outcomes, including immune system dysfunction, impaired child development, and cancer. Additionally, NIEHS-funded researchers have developed promising technology that could help in the cleanup of areas where PFAS exposure is a problem.

Highlighted Research

NIEHS-funded researchers have established links between exposure to some PFAS and disease, but there is still much to learn about how PFAS may be affecting human health.

NIEHS-supported Publications on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

NIEHS funds ground-breaking work on PFAS covering topics such as new technologies to clean-up PFAS and development impacts exposure to PFAS.

NIEHS-supported Researchers Focusing on PFAS

NIEHS supports more than 40 research groups across the country to better understand the health effects of PFAS.

Related Resources

Resources from our federal partners and stories from the Environmental Factor newsletter.

Program Contacts

PFAS Health Effects Program Contact

Thaddeus T. Schug, Ph.D.
Thaddeus T. Schug, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3319
[email protected]
530 Davis Dr
530 Davis Drive (Keystone Bldg)
Durham, NC 27713

PFAS Clean-up and Technologies Program Contact

Heather Henry, Ph.D.
Heather Henry, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator, Superfund Research Program
Tel 984-287-3268
[email protected]
530 Davis Dr
530 Davis Drive (Keystone Bldg)
Durham, NC 27713