You’ve probably heard the term “forever chemicals” thrown around in the news or seen it on product labels, but what exactly does it mean, and why should you care? The term refers to a group of chemicals called PFAS—and they’re in everything from your nonstick pans to the water you drink. Let’s dive into the world of PFAS and uncover why they’ve earned their nickname and what they could mean for your health and the planet.
So, What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These are a large group of man-made chemicals that were first created in the 1940s. What makes them unique is their carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest bonds in chemistry, which makes PFAS incredibly stable and resistant to breaking down.
Because of this stability, PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals”. Once these chemicals get into the environment or your body, they don’t leave—they persist for decades, if not longer. Sounds a little scary, right?
These chemicals have been used in a wide range of products over the years because of their special properties, including:
- Nonstick cookware (like Teflon pans)
- Stain-resistant clothing and carpets
- Waterproof outdoor gear
- Food packaging (think fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags)
- Firefighting foam used at airports and military bases
Why Should We Be Concerned About PFAS?
You might think, “Well, if these chemicals are so durable, shouldn’t that be a good thing?” Unfortunately, not when it comes to the environment and human health. Here’s why:
- Health Hazards
You might be surprised to learn that PFAS have been linked to a range of serious health issues. Research has shown that exposure to these chemicals can increase the risk of:
- Cancer (especially kidney and testicular cancer)
- Hormonal disruption, affecting thyroid function and reproductive health
- Liver damage and increased cholesterol
- Weakening of the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections
- Developmental issues in babies and children, including low birth weight and delayed development
The catch? PFAS build up in your body over time. Studies have found traces of PFAS in the blood of nearly everyone tested, even in newborn babies.
- Environmental Contamination
PFAS don’t just stay in your body—they stick around in the environment, too. Because they’re persistent, PFAS can contaminate water sources, soil, and even wildlife. In fact, these chemicals have been found in drinking water across the U.S. and around the world. Some fish in contaminated waters have high levels of PFAS in their bodies, which can then make their way up the food chain to humans.
In areas near military bases, airports, or industrial sites, PFAS contamination can be particularly severe because of the use of firefighting foam, which contains large amounts of PFAS. And since these chemicals don’t break down easily, they can travel long distances, affecting places you might not even expect.
- They Bioaccumulate
Here’s the kicker: PFAS bioaccumulate, meaning they build up over time in living organisms. So, when wildlife, fish, or even humans are exposed to PFAS, these chemicals don’t just pass through. They stick around, accumulating in tissue. The longer you’re exposed, the higher the levels get.
This is why PFAS in the environment is so concerning. It’s not just a matter of one spill or one bad batch of chemicals. Once PFAS get into the environment, they stay there—and can keep accumulating in both wildlife and humans for years.
Where Are You Likely to Encounter PFAS?
Curious if PFAS might be lurking in your daily life? Here are some common places where they can hide:
- Nonstick cookware: That Teflon frying pan you love? It could be releasing trace amounts of PFAS into your food over time.
- Waterproof clothing: The jacket you wear in the rain might have been treated with PFAS to make it water-resistant.
- Fast food packaging: Pizza boxes, takeout containers, and microwave popcorn bags often contain PFAS to prevent grease from soaking through.
- Firefighting foam: Used at military bases, airports, and industrial sites—if you live near one of these locations, there’s a chance PFAS have made their way into the local water supply.
Are PFAS Regulated?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Even though scientists have known about the risks of PFAS for decades, regulation of these chemicals has been slow. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a limit of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for two of the most common PFAS chemicals—PFOA and PFOS—in drinking water. But that’s just a guideline, not a strict limit, and many experts believe that even lower levels of PFAS can be harmful.
Some states have taken action on their own. For example, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York have set stricter standards for PFAS in drinking water. And several communities have filed lawsuits against companies that manufacture PFAS, seeking compensation for cleanup efforts and health costs.
On the global stage, countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands have already moved toward banning or restricting the use of certain PFAS chemicals in products, and the European Union is working on a broad regulation to phase out their use entirely.
What Can We Do About It?
So, what can you do to reduce your exposure to these persistent chemicals? Here are a few tips:
- Test Your Water: If you live in an area where PFAS contamination is a concern (such as near military bases or industrial sites), testing your drinking water is a good first step. Some water filters can help remove PFAS.
- Choose PFAS-Free Products: Look for cookware that doesn’t contain PTFE (like cast iron or stainless steel) and avoid stain-resistant or water-repellent clothing unless labeled PFAS-free.
- Be Careful with Food Packaging: Limit your intake of fast food, especially foods that come in greasy or water-resistant packaging, like pizza boxes or takeout containers.
- Choose Safer Firefighting Foam: If you’re in the emergency services or firefighting industry, be aware of the foam you’re using. Non-PFAS alternatives are available.
- Stay Informed: The science surrounding PFAS is evolving quickly. Keep up with the latest information from trusted sources, and advocate for stronger regulations to protect public health.
Are There Alternatives to PFAS?
Yes! Some companies are working hard to find alternatives to PFAS in everything from nonstick cookware to stain-resistant fabrics. Here are a few alternatives that might give you peace of mind:
- Silicone-based coatings: These can be used as a nonstick alternative in cookware.
- Biodegradable water-resistant coatings: Some clothing and outdoor gear are now treated with more eco-friendly, PFAS-free alternatives.
- Plant-based materials: More companies are testing products made from natural, sustainable materials that don’t rely on PFAS.
The Bottom Line: Why It Matters
PFAS may seem like a distant concern, but their widespread use and long-lasting presence in the environment make them an issue we all need to think about. These chemicals are linked to serious health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption, and they stick around for decades. By staying informed, making mindful choices, and pushing for stronger regulation, we can reduce our exposure to PFAS and protect both our health and the planet.
So, the next time you reach for that nonstick pan or grab a fast-food meal, take a moment to think about where those “forever chemicals” might be hiding—and how we can all make choices that move us toward a cleaner, safer future.