Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a vast group of synthetic chemicals, numbering several million, that have been manufactured since the 1930s and utilized for various purposes. PFAS molecules encompass structures where either some (poly) or all (per) of the carbon atoms are entirely fluorinated – meaning that the hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon, typical in hydrocarbons, are replaced by fluorine atoms.

Certain PFAS applications have faced restrictions and bans, with additional regulations currently under deliberation. Around 30 PFAS compounds have been detected in natural environments globally, often at minuscule concentrations. Due to their exceptional persistence, these compounds which have been termed "forever chemicals."

Project Steering Group (PSG)