PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their long persistence in the environment.
In June 2017, PFAS drew wide media coverage in NC when drinking water wells in New Hanover and Brunswick counties were found to be contaminated with a new type of PFAS chemical known as "GenX". Not long after, researchers at Duke University and NC State University formed a team to study PFAS in the NC Piedmont area. Our current study seeks to understand sources of PFAS to the Haw River, its tributaries, Jordan Lake, and to evaluate exposure and health risks in local communities.