PFOA chemicals, also known as Perfluorooctanoic Acid, are a type of synthetic chemical that belongs to a larger group called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); they are used to make products resistant to stains, grease, water, and soil, often found in non-stick cookware, carpets, and certain clothing due to their water-repellent properties; considered “forever chemicals” because they don’t easily break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time.