08-21-18. Philippe Grandjean, D.M.Sc. M.D., Univ of S. Denmark & Harvard Chan School of Public Health. Perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) are industrial chemicals used in many products, including fire-fighting foam, water-repellent clothing, moisture-proof coatings in food packaging (popcorn bags, etc,), furniture fabric protections and many other consumer products. These chemicals are eventually deposited in the soil and groundwater. They are highly toxic to humans, animals, and the environment.