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PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a diverse group of >15,000 synthetic organofluorine compounds containing strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Used since the 1940s for water/stain resistance, they are "forever chemicals" because they do not degrade easily in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans, animals, and water.

“First, the structure of PFAS means they resist breakdown in the environment and in our bodies. Second, they move relatively quickly through the environment, making their contamination hard to contain. Third, for some PFAS, even extremely low levels of exposure can negatively impact our health

PFAS pollution is a growing concern for drinking water across Europe. With harmonised limits and mandatory monitoring now in force, Member States have the rules and tools to swiftly detect and address PFAS to protect public health.