You can’t see them, smell them or taste them, but “forever chemicals” are showing up in Savannah’s water, and experts say they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Earlier this year, the City of Savannah reported that PFAS levels exceeded the US EPA’s proposed limit, triggering the city to file a lawsuit against more than 60 companies for their contribution to the water contamination.
Understanding PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are synthetic chemicals used in products designed to resist water, heat and grease. These resistant properties have led to widespread use in products like cookware, packaging and cosmetics since the 1950s. Yet, the chemical nature and bonds of PFAS are also what makes their widespread contamination so hazardous…