PFAS are particularly problematic because they are extremely stable and accumulate in soil, bodies of water, and groundwater, while their long-term effects on humans, animals, and the environment remain largely unstudied.
Since 2023, the Forever Pollution Project has been documenting known PFAS-contaminated sites across Europe and presenting the findings on an interactive map. The map displays over 20,000 confirmed cases of contamination as well as another 20,000 suspected sites.
In Germany, areas near military installations, airports, and industrial facilities are particularly affected, as PFAS-containing firefighting foams and industrial wastewater have been used at these locations.