Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nicknamed “forever chemicals”, are a class of 9,000 ubiquitous compounds found in fracking wells, food packaging, cookware, cosmetics and dental floss. They are resistant to degrading and accumulate in the environment and our bodies. In lieu of federal regulation, the state of Maine has enacted a wide-ranging ban on the use of all PFAS by 2030 for all purposes unless considered unavoidable. Chemical & Engineering News calls this action a world first. Lawmakers hope this precedent will motivate manufacturers and others in the industry to move to safer alternatives that don’t include toxic chemicals. European countries Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden are also considering restrictions on the use of PFAS.