Everything You Need To Know About Forever Chemicals

Over 9000 chemicals are considered part of the forever chemicals group. What this diverse group of substances shares is their synthetic nature: they have a chain of strong carbon-fluorine bonds, and these strong bonds prevent PFAS from naturally breaking down in the environment over time.

BPA, PFOA, PFOS, and Gen X are all forever chemicals. Not all forever chemicals are made the same, though: each has its own unique properties and effects.

Over the last 70 years, forever chemicals have been used in products all over the world. The problem is that these chemicals spread. Waste dumps and manufacturing sites have contaminated nearby soil, waterways, and even the air.

Forever chemicals have been found in fish and livestock that live in or drink contaminated water. Because PFAS don't break down naturally over time, these chemicals can build up to dangerous levels in people, animals, and environments.

There are so many forever chemicals and they are so common that researching the effects of one particular chemical can be challenging.

Research has, however, shown a link between forever chemicals and a higher risk of liver disease, thyroid issues, diabetes, birth defects, pre-eclampsia, stroke, and some cancers. Some of these chemicals may also damage the immune system.

Forever chemicals have been found in soil, water, and air all over the planet. They've even been found in Antarctica. Many people have already been exposed to PFAS by drinking contaminated water, eating meat from animals that have been exposed, and using products made with forever chemicals.

One CDC report indicated that 97% of Americans have forever chemicals in their blood.

Low levels of forever chemicals aren't necessarily harmful. It's heavy exposure over a long period of time that poses the greatest health risk.

This long-term exposure is what allows forever chemicals to build up in the blood. Most people have low levels of PFAS in their blood, but because these chemicals can build up over time, it's still important to limit overall exposure.

It's virtually impossible to eliminate exposure to forever chemicals, but there are some ways to reduce it. Choosing items at the store that are free of phthalates and parabens, using a water filter at home, and vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum can all be helpful.

Not all people, however, can afford these solutions. The best way to limit exposure for all people is to stop so many forever chemicals from getting into the environment in the first place.

Lower-income communities are at a higher risk of PFAS contamination. Workers are also vulnerable, particularly firefighters and those who work in chemical manufacturing. They are more likely to be exposed to forever chemicals in high concentrations and to be exposed to airborne PFAS.

Wearing proper protective gear is essential in these industries.

In June 2022, the EPA released stricter guidelines limiting the amount of forever chemicals in drinking water. The goal of these and other regulations is to keep exposure as close to zero as possible.

These guidelines are not yet written into law. Many companies may simply ignore them and current testing is not reliable enough to verify that limits are being met.

The overall amount of some PFAS in human blood has already decreased since the early 2000s when regulations started. Researchers have also found ways to eliminate forever chemicals in drinking water.

By using relatively low heat and gentle solvents, they were able to successfully break down the chemicals without harmful byproducts. This process may soon be used to treat drinking water around the world.

The most important way to protect everyone from forever chemicals is to hold the corporations that create them accountable. Public criticism and boycotts can influence companies to use safer disposal methods. Vote for policies and leaders that support environmental health.

Most people have been exposed to these chemicals, but no single factor determines health all by itself. Other interventions like a healthy diet, exercise, and reducing further exposure can lead to a healthy future.