Forever chemicals, scientifically known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), have become a global health concern. They become hazardous to the human body due to their ability to stay in the environment and the human body for decades.
Forever chemicals refer to a class of more than 15,000 synthetic compounds used for their ability to resist heat, water, oil, and stains.
PFAS chemicals do not degrade, which is why they persist in soil, water, food chains, and human tissue. The common examples include PFOA and PFOS, chemicals once widely used in nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and textile treatments.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PFAS can now be detected in the blood of 97% of Americans, highlighting how widespread exposure has become.
Although older PFAS versions like PFOA and PFOS have been phased out in some regions, newer replacements are still in use. The concern is that many of these alternatives may carry similar risks, but scientific research on them is more limited.
This article breaks down how forever chemicals enter the body, the long-term health risks, and what remains uncertain.
Learn the Major Sources of Forever Chemicals
Below is a clear list of major exposure pathways, based on scientific research and regulatory information.
1. Drinking Water Contamination
PFAS contamination in drinking water is one of the most documented exposure routes.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that over 200 million Americans may be exposed to PFAS through their tap water.
- PFAS enter water supplies when industrial facilities discharge waste into rivers and groundwater, or when firefighting foams seep into soil near airports and military bases.
Because these chemicals resist breakdown, treatment plants struggle to remove them. This means PFAS can remain in drinking water for years.
2. Food and Food Packaging
Food contamination is the most prominent source of forever chemicals. It occurs through multiple pathways:
- Soil and water used to grow crops may contain PFAS.
- Fish and livestock can accumulate PFAS over time.
- PFAS-treated food packaging (e.g., grease-resistant wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes) can leach chemicals directly into food.
A 2021 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that certain fast-food packaging contained 4–8 times higher PFAS levels than other packaging types.
The FDA also confirms that certain PFAS are still authorised for use in food-contact materials.
Foods most likely to contain PFAS include:
- shellfish and freshwater fish
- beef and dairy from exposed livestock
- packaged fast foods
- microwave popcorn
- produce grown in contaminated areas
3. Household Dust and Indoor Surfaces
PFAS-treated household products can release tiny particles into indoor air and dust. Common sources include:
- Carpets and rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Stain-resistant sprays
- Paints and coatings
Research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows indoor dust can contain PFAS levels high enough to meaningfully contribute to children’s exposure, especially in homes with stain-resistant carpets or furniture.
4. Personal Care Products and Cosmetics
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), PFAS are used in cosmetics to improve water resistance, spreadability, and durability.
PFAS have been found in:
- foundation
- waterproof mascara
- lipstick
- lotions
- shaving creams
- nail polish
A 2021 analysis found detectable PFAS in over half of tested cosmetic products, with some waterproof formulas containing notably high levels.
Because cosmetics are applied directly to the skin, and sometimes near the eyes and mouth, they represent a growing area of concern.
5. Nonstick & Heat-Resistant Cookware
While PFOA has been phased out of most nonstick cookware, older products or those with scratched, damaged surfaces can release PFAS particles during cooking.
Today’s nonstick pans often use newer PFAS alternatives. However:
- Long-term safety data are still limited
- High-heat cooking may increase chemical release
Replacing old, damaged nonstick cookware is a simple step to reduce exposure.
6. Clothing and Consumer Goods
PFAS are commonly used to make products water-repellent, stain-resistant, or heat-resistant. These include:
- Raincoats and outdoor jackets
- Athletic and school uniforms
- Stain-resistant carpets
- Outdoor gear
- Cleaning products
- Certain dental floss
A 2022 investigation found PFAS in 65% of tested waterproof jackets, highlighting their continued prevalence in retail products.
Long-Term Risks of Forever Chemicals
Science has confirmed several health risks associated with PFAS exposure. However, not all PFAS are equally studied, and not all risks are fully understood. Below are the most consistently documented effects from agencies such as the EPA, CDC, WHO, and National Academies of Sciences.
Long-Term Health Risks of PFAS Exposure
1. Immune System Suppression
PFAS can weaken immune responses, leading to reduced vaccine effectiveness and increased susceptibility to infections.
2. Hormonal & Thyroid Disruption
These chemicals can disrupt hormone regulation, contributing to thyroid disorders, menstrual changes, and fertility issues.
3. Metabolic & Cholesterol Problems
PFAS exposure is linked to higher LDL cholesterol, altered liver enzymes, and increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
4. Cancer Risks
Certain PFAS, like PFOA, are associated with higher risks of kidney and testicular cancers, with additional evidence emerging from animal studies.
5. Developmental & Reproductive Effects
PFAS may affect fetal development, reduce birth weight, and influence puberty and reproductive hormones in children.
Conclusion
Forever chemicals are a global public health issue with significant scientific backing and increasing regulatory attention.
While exposure is widespread, understanding where PFAS come from, water, food, cosmetics, and household products, is the first step toward reducing risk.
Preventing exposure today can improve long-term health for communities worldwide.
If you found this article useful, share it to help others stay informed and protected.
Sanskruti Jadhav
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are forever chemicals?
Forever chemicals are synthetic PFAS compounds that do not break down easily, allowing them to accumulate in water, soil, food, and the human body.
2. How do forever chemicals harm the human body?
Studies link PFAS exposure to immune suppression, thyroid disorders, cholesterol changes, fertility issues, developmental effects, and certain cancers.
3. How do forever chemicals enter food?
PFAS can enter food through contaminated soil and water, food packaging, and accumulation in fish, dairy, and livestock.
4. Are PFAS still allowed in cosmetics?
Yes. According to the FDA, certain PFAS are still used in cosmetics to improve spreadability, durability, and water resistance.
5. Can forever chemicals be removed from drinking water?
Some filters (activated carbon, reverse osmosis) can reduce PFAS levels, but treatment effectiveness varies. Public water systems require long-term infrastructure improvements for full safety.
