What are PFAS?
If you’ve followed recent headlines about water quality and public health, chances are you’ve heard of PFAS. Short for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, these are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in products ranging from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foams. They earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and can persist for decades in the environment.
PFAS are found in soil, water, and even the air. They move especially easily through groundwater and rivers, meaning that once released, they can spread far from their original source. Research shows that PFAS can accumulate in fish, wildlife, and people. Studies have linked exposure to certain PFAS to health concerns such as high cholesterol, immune effects, and developmental impacts.
PFAS in South Carolina
Along South Carolina’s coast, the issue is especially relevant; Because PFAS travel with water, they are turning up in places like estuaries and marshes, where they can work their way into the food web— which can include infiltrating South Carolinas’ aquaculture industry. Scientists are working to better understand how these chemicals behave in coastal environments and what risks they pose for both ecosystems and communities.
What’s next?
Through research and outreach, the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium supports projects that examine how PFAS enter and move through coastal waters, how they may affect fish and shellfish, and what this means for the industries and communities that depend on healthy waterways. These projects also bring together scientists, managers
, and decision-makers to share knowledge and explore solutions.
Why do PFAS matter? Because coastal South Carolina depends on clean water; not only for people, but for marshes, fisheries, and wildlife. As research grows, so does our ability to track, understand, and reduce the impacts of these persistent chemicals.
Learn more about PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern.
