PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of synthetic organic molecules, primarily consisting of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate acid (PFOS). This group of molecules is useful for a wide range of manufacturing and industrial applications due to its resistance to heat, water and oil, and inability to biodegrade easily. As a result, PFAS compounds have become some of the most widely used class of chemicals in the world — used for manufacturing a wide range of consumer products including (but not limited to) cookware such as Teflon pans, pizza boxes and food wrappers, stain and water repellents, polishes, waxes, paints, carpeting and furniture.
As scientific knowledge and state and federal guidelines evolve regarding PFAS contamination, what should property owners, developers and lenders know to manage risk and lower liability?
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