what could bonnie and clyde possibly have to do with pfas, otherwise known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances? pfas have become pervasive in our modern age, and they have a complex history that is worth investigating. the very first pfas type, which was polychlorotrifluoroethylene (pctfe), was uncovered in 1934 by chemist researching fluoridated gases at the german company known as ig farben according to manufacturing dive. this finding occurred in the same year that bonnie and clyde were famously killed by police, according to the fbi. although these two events aren’t related, there is a sobering reality to the fact that the pfas issue had such an early start in history. 

it was only a few years later that two dupont employees unwittingly discovered polytetrafluoroethylene (ptfe), which eventually became trademarked by dupont as the household name teflon, according to manufacturing dive. over the next decade or so, various stakeholders worked both collaboratively and competitively to bolster pfas production. the ability to do this was a privilege for companies at this point in history, where the trailblazing research and incorporation of pfas was becoming incredibly lucrative in the mid-twentieth century, as explained by aps news. 

the manhattan project allowed for yet another crucial opportunity for pfas to be used in efforts to properly manage and contain extremely corrosive uranium hexafluoride, according to manufacturing dive. in other words, without pfas to thank, we may not have had the same atomic weapon sophistication or proliferation that is very much apparent in our world today. 

pfas had an increasingly pervasive presence as the 20th century unfolded. what was once considered a niche manufacturing tool became increasingly popular in a variety of markets. this included various household items which are purchased regularly by consumers, such as shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics, clothing, nonstick pots and pans, and various cleaning products. 

consider for a moment the items that you may use on a typical day. from the moment you wake up, until the moment your head hits the pillow, think of what your daily tasks may consist of and necessitate. if your day either begins or ends with a shower, then you presumably are using body wash, shampoo, and perhaps even a leave-in conditioner if you have extra time. having silky hair always helps you feel extra ready to take on the day, you may note. you may then transition to packing your lunch bag for the work day ahead, which consists of a tuna sandwich and fresh berries. you’re on a health kick of sorts. the human foods program may disagree, though. your fridge alerts you that your water filter needed replacing three days ago as you fill up your bottle, so you mentally note a trip to the store tomorrow. the u.s. epa would caution against waiting until tomorrow. 

you commute to your office, clock in, and get a head start on a new assignment. once your work day is complete, you excitedly head to the gym with a new workout set you ordered for a confidence boost. the environmental working group would likely have mixed opinions on this depending on the brand you chose. after leg day, you reward yourself with a spinach smoothie and dinner. you wind down with a cup of tea and a few chapters of your favorite book. 

when considering such a productive and health-focused day, it is easy to assume that pfas may be a marginal concern. the unfortunate truth is that even a day that includes repeated, health-conscious choices can be plagued by pfas. there is still hope, though. although it took several decades for pfas regulation to occur following the growing threat being introduced to both the environment and consumers alike, we have entered an era that is highly aware of the presence and impacts of pfas. because of this, we have knowledge and regulations on our side.

in small daily decisions, pfas exposure can be reduced. examples of this include regular refrigerator filter maintenance, conscious consumption habits, spring cleaning, and doing an overhaul of our self-care product hauls, as outlined in an environmental working group article. what will your first step be in reducing the pfas persistence in your own life?