Water pollution is and has been a problem in the U.S. since the 1800s, but rose in the 1940s with the introduction of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Known also as “forever chemicals,” these are chemicals commonly used in production of items such as non-stick cookware, carpets, cleaning products and firefighter foams. They were given the nickname “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly, giving them the opportunity to accumulate in environments, people, and animals. Based on data collected and mapped by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, there are 18 water systems in Missouri with PFAS levels over the Maximum Comparison Level. Though there is still ongoing research on what exactly these chemicals do to the environment and humans, they have been linked to developmental defects in adolescents, along with obesity, high cholesterol, increased risk of cancers and thyroid disease. The National Toxicology Program was also able to find that perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid led to lowered immune system function and curb antibody response. This means that the immune system’s ability to make specialized proteins is lowered, making it more difficult for your body to fight off viruses and bacteria. Not only do these chemicals harm humans, but a study from the National Library of Medicine found that when humans and rodents were exposed to PFAS, they experienced liver damage. However, programs like the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s are continuing to learn about the effects of PFAS, and are developing solutions to keep the population and environment safe.