The PFAS Effect
PFAS are found in consumer goods, firefighting gear and foams, and have been found on Nantucket. Learn more about what they are, where they are found, and what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and our island.
Our mission is to create an educational resource for Nantucket residents to learn more about the hazards of PFAS affecting our island.
PFAS [noun] /ˈpēˌfas/ — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
: a group of toxic, man-made chemicals used in many consumer and industrial products; known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can build up in the human body over time.
Learn More About PFAS
Listen to the inaugural Choices & Impacts podcast by Nantucket Footprints where we talk about PFAS 101.
Watch Our Latest Video
PFAS have been found in a multitude of consumer products such as non-stick cookware, cleaning products, textiles, and more. Discover eight ways to reduce your PFAS exposures in the home with some easy swaps and tips. Many products will not include PFAS on their ingredients list or disclose the use of PFAS in their manufacturing process or end product. A general rule is that if the product is grease-, water-, stain-, or oil-resistant, you may want to contact the company and ask if they use PFAS in the manufacturing or processing of that specific product. Learn more on our PFAS 101 page!
Changing the world is possible and it’s starting in our own community.
Upon learning of the devastating effects that PFAS have on human and environmental health, the Nantucket Fire Department took action and changed how it protects its first responders.