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PFAS Integrated Strategy
Summary
PFAS refers to per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a broad class of synthetic substances that have become widespread in the environment, including in air, soil, water, and in plants and animals[1]. Their resistance to heat, oil, and water has made them useful in industrial processes, consumer products, agricultural chemicals, medical devices, and protective equipment. Because of this widespread use, PFAS can enter the body through drinking water, food, inhaling dust and vapors, or contact with PFAS containing materials. Certain PFAS have been linked to health concerns such as cancers, endocrine disorders, immune suppression, and developmental effects[2]. Thousands of PFAS exist, and new variants continue to be incorporated into products, contributing to ongoing environmental presence and exposure. Their chemical structure prevents them from breaking down readily in nature, allowing PFAS to persist and bioaccumulate in plants, animals, and humans. Current testing methods detect only a portion of PFAS that may be present[3], underscoring the need for continued monitoring and research to safeguard communities and the environment.
Efforts have expanded from both public and private entities to understand PFAS sources, track contamination, and prevent future releases. Illinois EPA (“the Agency”) likewise undertakes such work, including identifying known PFAS releases, locating potential point sources, and conducting sampling and laboratory testing where contamination is suspected or confirmed. The Agency also provides outreach and education to industries, municipalities, and the public to support pollution prevention and encourage practical steps that reduce PFAS at the source. Illinois EPA collaborates with other Illinois agencies, other states, academic partners, and research organizations to strengthen PFAS reduction efforts and share information as PFAS science and regulatory frameworks evolve.
Within this broader effort, Illinois EPA’s goals include:
- Identifying PFAS in the environment, including releases, pathways, and areas of highest concern
- Strengthening regulatory frameworks and technical capacity to monitor, assess, and manage PFAS; and
- Reducing the impact of PFAS on communities, water resources, and ecosystems through prevention and mitigation
Although important progress has been made[4], PFAS remain a priority for continued attention. Cleanup and treatment technologies are advancing, and ongoing improvements in monitoring and data collection are helping to improve understanding of where PFAS are present. Long-term protection will require reducing nonessential PFAS uses, encouraging the development of safer alternatives, and strengthening Illinois EPA’s ability to address PFAS across sectors.
The State of Illinois has made significant strides to address PFAS pollution, but there is still considerable work ahead to understand the risks posed by different PFAS and to develop effective methods and technologies that protect Illinois communities and the environment. The Agency has been driving strategic collaboration with government agencies, research institutes, environmental associations, and commercial entities to share knowledge, inform policy, improve regulatory frameworks, and safeguard the public.
[1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2026. “Our Current Understanding of Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS.” Last updated July 14, 2026.
[2] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2021. Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Released May 2021.
[3] Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council. 2026. Per‑ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. January 2026.
[4] Environmental Council of the States. 2025. ECOS Compendium of State PFAS Actions. April 2025.