PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that were first used in the 1940s, followed in subsequent decades by the development of thousands of new PFAS chemistries. PFAS have been designated a public health concern, and growing concern over potential toxicity and persistence of PFAS in the environment has led to the development of a multi-faceted scientific and regulatory approach to protect human and ecological health. 
 

With the new roadmap, DOE specifically commits to:

• Research current and past uses and known or potential releases of PFAS;
• Investigate PFAS concentrations in DOE-supplied drinking water and in the environment at DOE sites;
• Proactively prevent PFAS from entering air, land, and water at levels that can adversely impact human health and the environment;
• Clean up PFAS identified contamination to protect human health and ecological systems;
• Leverage the expertise at DOE National Laboratories to enhance PFAS research;
• Support inter-agency and cross-sector collaboration to identify and employ promising technologies;
• Provide clear and credible information to our employees, local communities, and regulators; and
• Engage with stakeholders to help inform an effective Departmental PFAS strategy.

The Department also is in the process of finalizing an initial assessment of PFAS substances at DOE sites. The assessment will summarize the results of a preliminary evaluation of known historic or current PFAS uses, PFAS occurrence in the environment, and regulatory and stakeholder interactions at DOE program sites. Information from the report will be used to inform next steps outlined in the DOE Roadmap in addressing PFAS at DOE sites, and to support continued coordination with other federal agencies.