Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” or “everywhere chemicals” are emerging as complex environmental and public health challenges facing Maryland counties.
Once thought to be confined to industrial sites, these persistent chemicals are now being detected in everyday local spaces—parks, recreational facilities, and community gathering areas where residents live, play, and connect.
These challenges were the focus of an informative panel discussion, PFAS in Local Spaces: Hidden Chemicals, Real Challenges, moderated by The Honorable Sheila Ruth. The session brought together state and local leaders to explore how PFAS impact communities and what actions counties can take to address the issue.
The panel featured:
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Zachary Schafer, Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment
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Robert Mitchell, Director of Environmental Programs, Worcester County
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Dr. Reginald Moore, Executive Director, Department of Recreation & Parks, Baltimore City
Each panelist offered a unique perspective on the complexity of PFAS contamination across Maryland.
Zachary Schafer emphasized that PFAS are essentially “everywhere chemicals,” noting their widespread use in consumer and industrial products. He stressed the importance of product disclosure to better inform the public about products containing PFAS. Mr. Shafer noted that PFAS can be removed from the environment, but that remediation is both difficult and costly.
Robert Mitchell highlighted the historical roots of the problem, explaining PFAS compounds have been in widespread use since the 1950s. The chemicals have been used in food packaging, firefighting foam, pesticides, and protective coatings for a wide range of consumer products. As a result, counties became passive recipients of contaminants and are left to manage polluted water, soil, and infrastructure.
Dr. Reginald Moore focused on the environmental and infrastructure impacts of PFAS in playgrounds and recreational spaces. He discussed, effective October 1, 2024, House Bill 1147 – Playground Surfacing Materials Prohibitions, required that all new playground surfacing materials be verified as PFAS-free. Older parks in jurisdictions, however, pose ongoing challenges, as PFAS-containing surface materials may leach into stormwater and drainage systems.
Together, the panelists underscored the importance of understanding where these chemicals originate, how they migrate into water and soil, and strategies for mitigation and removal.
Panelists agree that calling PFAS “Forever Chemicals” is a misnomer – here are some of the things being done to combat PFAS!
“We are intimately aware of the states PFAS strategies- so we’re not alone – we work in concert with our state partners to do what needs to be done,”… pic.twitter.com/lPn0SFiFms
— Maryland Association of Counties (@MDCounties) December 11, 2025
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