You Can't Escape These Chemicals!

If you’ve ever cooked an egg in a nonstick pan, eaten a fast-food burger, or microwaved a bag of popcorn, then you’ve probably encountered a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These chemicals are added to products to make them nonstick, waterproof, or stain-repellent. PFAS are used in everything from cookware and food packaging to raincoats and rugs.

PFAS were invented in the 1940s, and their use quickly became widespread. But in the past few decades, it’s become clear that these chemicals are incredibly toxic. They are also practically indestructable, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Being both toxic and long-lasting makes PFAS particularly harmful. “It’s a perfect storm,” says Anna Reade, a scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental organization based in New York.

You may have cooked an egg in a nonstick pan. Or maybe you’ve eaten a fast-food burger or microwaved a bag of popcorn. If you did, you’ve probably come across a group of chemicals called PFAS. That stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are added to products to make them nonstick, waterproof, or stain-repellent. PFAS are used in many items. They’re in cookware and food packaging, raincoats, and rugs.

PFAS were invented in the 1940s. They quickly became widespread. But in the past few decades, a problem has become clear. These chemicals are incredibly toxic. They are also nearly indestructible. That’s why their nickname is “forever chemicals.” Because PFAS are both toxic and long-lasting, they’re even more harmful. “It’s a perfect storm,” says Anna Reade. She’s a scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental organization based in New York.

People are exposed to PFAS by using products that contain the chemicals. And at sites where PFAS are manufactured or used, the chemicals are released into the air, soil, and waterways (see The Life of Forever Chemicals). PFAS also leach from products when tossed into landfills or burned.

Once in the environment, PFAS are difficult to get rid of. That’s because PFAS are compounds that contain the elements carbon (C) and fluorine (F) held together by an extremely strong chemical bond. A chemical bond is an attractive force between atoms. This carbon-fluoride bond is nearly impossible to break.

People are exposed to PFAS in different ways. They may use products that contain them. PFAS are also released into the air, soil, and waterways. That happens at sites that make or use the chemicals. And products are tossed into landfills or burned. Then PFAS drain from them (see The Life of Forever Chemicals).

PFAS are difficult to remove from the environment. That’s because they’re compounds that contain carbon (C) and fluorine (F). An extremely strong chemical bond holds these elements together. A chemical bond is an attractive force between atoms. This carbon-fluoride bond is nearly impossible to break.

Forever chemicals can also travel through the water cycle, or the continual movement of water between Earth’s surface and atmosphere. Because of this, PFAS can now be found everywhere on the planet—even in places where the chemicals aren’t regularly used!

Worse yet, PFAS can bioaccumulate, or build up in living things over time. Forever chemicals have been detected in the blood of nearly every human on Earth. “It’s intense,” says Reade. “You have chemicals that don’t go away, and they just keep building up and building up.”

Unfortunately, exposure to PFAS has been linked to negative health effects, including an increased risk of cancer. It also can lead to problems with the liver, kidneys, and the immune system, which normally

Forever chemicals can also travel through the water cycle. This process is the constant movement of water between Earth’s surface and atmosphere. Because of this, PFAS are now found everywhere on the planet. The chemicals are even in places where they aren’t used regularly!

Even worse, PFAS can bioaccumulate. They can build up in living things over time. Nearly every human on Earth has forever chemicals in their blood. “It’s intense,” says Reade. “You have chemicals that don’t go away, and they just keep building up and building up.” 

Sadly, PFAS exposure has been linked to negative health effects. That includes an increased risk of cancer. It also can lead to problems with the liver, kidneys, and the immune system. Normally, the immune system helps the body fight off diseases.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), knowledge about the dangers of PFAS began to come to light in the early 2000s. Even so, companies continue to produce the chemicals.

People can reduce their exposure by using water filters designed to remove PFAS and not buying products that contain the chemicals. Many scientists and consumers want manufacturers to stop using PFAS altogether. Lawmakers in many states are also working to phase out the substances. In September 2022, two bills were passed in California that will ban the sale of clothing and makeup containing PFAS by 2025. The EPA has also taken steps to designate certain PFAS as hazardous and issue health advisories regarding people’s exposure. “Everybody needs to push to phase out these chemicals globally before we can really tackle the problem,” says Reade.

The dangers of PFAS started to become known in the early 2000s, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But companies continue to produce the chemicals.

People can reduce their exposure to the chemicals. They can use water filters that remove PFAS and stop buying products that contain them. Many scientists and consumers want manufacturers to stop using PFAS completely. Lawmakers in many states are working to get rid of PFAS. In September 2022, two bills were passed in California. They will ban the sale of clothing and makeup containing PFAS by 2025. Also, the EPA has taken steps to list certain PFAS as hazardous. They want to release health warnings about people’s exposure to forever chemicals. “Everybody needs to push to phase out these chemicals globally before we can really tackle the problem,” says Reade.