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More Information about PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, long-lasting chemicals. They are found in many household products, like non-stick cookware or microwave popcorn bags. Studies have shown exposure to PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. North Carolina’s industrial and military endeavors have led to high levels of PFAS in our water systems, particularly in the Cape Fear watershed, which extends into 26 counties in North Carolina (including Chatham County, a neighboring county of UNC).

If you are interested in learning more about PFAS, the resources below (aggregated by NC State University’s Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS) provide helpful information.

Helpful Infographics and Fact Sheets

Tile linking to a "Guide to Understanding PFAS" Graphic contains common household products that contain PFAS.

Tile linking to an infographic titled "PFAS 101." Image contains fundamental information and symbols pertaining to PFAS.

Tile linking to a spanish-language version of the "PFAS 101" infographic. Gráfico que enlaza a una versión en español de la infografía "PFAS 101".

A tile linking to a page reviewing Medical screening guidance for PFAS-impacted communities. Image contains a doctor testing a person's blood pressure.

Tile linking to an infographic title "PFAS Terminology Breakdown." Image contains the infographic.

Tile linking to the spanish-language version of the "PFAS Terminology Breakdown" infographic. Gráfico que enlaza a la versión en español de la infografía “Desglose de la terminología de PFAS”.

Tile linking to an infographic titled "PFAS at the Tap." Image contains part of the infographic.

Tile containing a link to a fact sheet about retailers committed to phasing out PFAS. Graphic includes numerous logos of retailers included on this fact sheet, including McDonalds, Panera Bread, Chipotle, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Food Lion, Office Depot, 7-Eleven, and TJX.

A tile linking to a page on PFAS Central's website listing currently PFAS-free products.

Other Sources for General PFAS Information

Tile linking to the PFAS Exchange website. Text reads: "An online resource center about PFAS contaminants in drinking water—helping communities understand their exposures and take action to protect their health"

Tile linking to the PFAS Central website, a project of Green Science Policy.

A tile linking to the PFAS-Tox Database website and displaying the organization's logo.

A tile linking to the website for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Text reads: "Know your environment. Protect your health."

North Carolina PFAS Information

Tile linking to the website for the NC PFAS Testing Network. Graphic contains the organization's logo.

Tile linking to the PFAS page on the website for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS),

A tile linking to the website for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ). Graphic contains the NC DEQ logo.

PFAS Information from Federal Agencies

A tile linking to the website for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The graphic contains the agency's logo. The link directs to the EPA page providing PFAS information.

A tile linking to the website for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The graphic contains the agency's logo.

A tile containing a link to the website for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), overseen by the National Institute of Health (NIH). The text reads: "Your Environment. Your Health."