From the U.S. Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov

Transcript for: Persistent Chemicals:  Assessment, Detection, and
Treatment

Description: A group of synthetic chemicals called per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances--PFAS, for short--are used in a wide range of
consumer, manufacturing, and fire safety products. But these chemicals
contaminate the environment and some are linked to health problems in
people.

More information is needed to help government agencies and others
address PFAS-related risks. But this group of chemicals is large,
diverse, hard to study, and difficult to fully remove from the
environment.

In this report, we discuss technologies to detect and treat PFAS
contamination and assess its health effects. We also offer policymakers
additional actions to consider.

Related GAO Works: GAO-22-105888. Persistent Chemicals:  Assessment,
Detection, and Treatment  

Environmentally Persistent Chemicals: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances (PFAS) are a large group of heat and stain resistant
chemicals used in a wide range of products. 

PFAS can persist in the environment for decades or longer and are
difficult to fully remove.   

CDC found that most people in the U.S. have been exposed to two PFAS
chemicals that have been linked to human health problems. 

Improving technologies that assess, detect, and treat PFAS can improve
management of these substances in the environment. 

Our new report discusses some of these technologies and the key
challenges they face. 

We also offer additional actions for policymakers to consider. 

Find out more at GAO.gov.

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For more info, check out our report GAO-22-105088 at: GAO.gov