Why 'Forever Chemicals' Are Concerning

Many things you come in contact with, from a burger wrapper at your favorite fast food joint to the carpeting you walk across, contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). These chemicals have been used since the 1940s in grease, oil, water and heat resistant products, such as shampoo bottles, yoga pants, dental floss, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, plastic water bottles, nonstick cookware, cleaning products and stain-resistant upholstery.

But if we've been exposed to those chemicals since the introduction of Teflon, why does it suddenly matter now? And why are people referring to PFAs as a "forever chemical?"

First, PFAs are called forever chemicals because it takes a long time to biodegrade—how long exactly isn't even known. One scientist for the Environmental Working Group said that even if companies stopped using PFAs in products today, traces of the substances could still potentially be detected for the next 10 to 15 years. Because the chemicals are so persistent, PFAs show up in the soil, the ocean and even the human body.

One estimate was that the half-life of PFAs can be up to 15 years in the human body. In 2015, the National Institutes of Health found PFAs in the blood of 97% of Americans.

Even though evidence of PFA toxicity was first reported to the FDA in 1966, it didn't spur any new regulations. Now, new research has linked PFAs to reduced fetal growth, increased risk of obesity, immune system suppression and worse COVID-19 symptoms. In addition, forever chemicals may cause cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, developmental toxicity, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol or pregnancy-induced preeclampsia and hypertension.

State and federal agencies are working to eliminate PFAs. The EPA is also pursuing three directives between now and 2024—to further research and understand the effects of PFA exposures, find ways to restrict PFAs from entering the environment and clean up PFA contamination. Some restaurants are also aiding in the change. Nathan's Famous started phasing out PFAs in 2020, and McDonald's and Burger King are committed to doing the same by 2025.

There are things you can do to reduce exposure to PFAs. Read labels and avoid products with PTFE or "perfluor" in the ingredient list. And, check your water. Scientists estimate that 200 million people drink tap water contaminated with PFAs, so it's important to find out about local recommendations for our water. Alternatively, we can install in-home water filters certified to lower PFAs.

For a list of PFAs to avoid, visit the CDC website.

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