Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. When the âforever chemicalâ per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are discussed, the huge military component of this toxic poisoning of our ecosystems is rarely mentioned. We must deal with all PFAS contamination because it is ending up in our drinking water supply, food, and bodies. Vermont must do more about PFAS and do it now. According to the Environmental Work Group, the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS are confirmed or suspected at 678 military sites, including seven here in Vermont. Pentagon officials have understood the risks of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) â firefighting foam â since 1970, when military studies showed it was toxic to fish. In 2001, the Department of Defense concluded that the PFAS in AFFF was âpersistent, bioaccumulating and toxic.â The DOD waited until 2011 to warn service members about PFAS risks.