PFAS

Our Goal

Water, air, and manufacturing. What do these have in common? They all affect our health, and PFAS can be found in all of them.

PFAS describes more than 12,000 chemicals manufactured since the 1940s, used in products to resist grease, water, oil, and heat. They are widely used in goods we use regularly, like cosmetics, food packaging, guitar strings, contacts, and many, many more. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS remain in the environment indefinitely and are found in the blood of people and animals worldwide, including infants and unborn children. Most PFAS chemicals are still unregulated, putting our health at risk every day.

We need to start protecting Hoosiers from these chemicals NOW.

We are working with stakeholders and advancing policies to:

  • Responsibly use PFAS
  • Reduce Hoosiers’ PFAS exposure
  • Reduce PFAS at the source
Adult polar bear with two cubs, overlaid with a toxic cloud

PFAS: A Growing Threat to Wildlife and Ecosystems

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are becoming a household name, and for good reason. These chemicals are increasingly recognized for their presence in everyday products and drinking water, but their [...]

Hoosiers Deserve Better Than PFAS

PFAS are in our homes, in our air and water, and in our food. They are used so widely in goods we use regularly, like cosmetics, food packaging, guitar [...]

More on PFAS

Read the most recent blog posts on PFAS or check out the resources below!

Resources

Is Your Water Contaminated With PFAS?

Use this interactive map to find where the EPA has found levels of PFAS over the minimum limits, including reported PFAS levels, population served, and more. Is your community at risk? Tell your legislator you are concerned about PFAS!

The State of PFAS – Issue Brief

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute published a broad but comprehensive overview of PFAS including what PFAS are, where they can be found, effects on human, existing local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and mitigation. The PDF version of this brief includes 90 more useful resources in its endnotes.

New 2024 Study Confirms PFAS Are Absorbed Through Human Skin

Previously thought to be unable to be absorbed through skin, a 2024 study proves that this is inaccurate. The study suggests shorter-chain PFAS seem to be more likely than other PFAS chemicals to transfer through skin.

Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s current information about PFAS, which includes links to answers about the federal government’s response to these chemicals.

IDEM PFAS Overview Page

Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management’s overview page, detailing state study results and other information about actions Indiana has taken to protect Hoosiers.

Toxic Free Future PFAS Overview

PFAS overview page from Toxic Free Future, a national leader in environmental health research and advocacy, focusing on identifying and reducing exposure to these chemicals.

Safer States PFAS Overview

PFAS policy and science overview from Safer States, an alliance of state-based organizations that seeks government and corporate action that lead to safer chemicals and materials, and protection of public health. This page includes many more resources.

Indiana Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against PFAS Manufacturers

IN Attorney General Todd Rokita filed a lawsuit against 22 companies that manufacture PFAS chemicals despite knowledge of the risks to human health.

Three States Petition to Classify PFAS as Hazardous Air Pollutants

North Carolina, New Mexico, and New Jersey filed a joint petition for a change that would regulate PFAS air emissions under the Clean Air Act.

IDOH Fish Consumption Guidelines

The Indiana Department of Health updates a map of water bodies that contain pollutants at a level that makes fish unsafe to eat. Check their guidelines and this interactive map before you go fishing to be sure the fish you catch are safe for consumption.

Printable Materials

ICV’s PFAS Fact Sheet

Some states have passed strict bans on PFAS chemicals and products that contain PFAS. So far, Indiana has been hesitant to pass such a ban for fear of disruption of manufacturing critical to the state’s economy.

CDC’s PFAS Chemical Overview

The US Center for Disease Control’s high-level overview of the chemistry of PFAS chemistries and how the different terms interact with each other.

EPA PFAS Fact Sheet

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s printable overview of PFAS.