What are Forever Chemicals?

About Forever Chemicals:

• Forever chemicals, or PFAS (per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances), are a large chemical family of thousands of highly persistent, toxic, man-made, hazardous chemicals.
• PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment.
• The name ‘forever chemicals’ comes from the fact that they remain in the environment without breaking down for generations, if ever.
• In manufacturing, PFAS are favoured for their durability and useful properties such as non-stick, water repellence, and anti-grease.
• PFAS are used in the manufacture of many domestic products, including:
  • skin creams and cosmetics
  • car and floor polish
  • rinse aid for dishwashers
  • textile and fabric treatments
  • food packaging and microwave popcorn bags
  • baking equipment
  • frying pans
  • clothing and shoes
• They also have many and widespread uses in industry, including in firefighting foam.
• Over time, PFAS may leak into the soil, water, and air.
• People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS.
• Because PFAS breaks down slowly, if at all, people and animals are repeatedly exposed to them, and blood levels of some PFAS can build up over time.
• Impacts of PFAS on Human Health: Forever chemicals have been linked to multiple health problems, including compromised immune systems, liver damage, thyroid diseases, increased cholesterol levels, hypertension, developmental delays in infants, and increased certain cancers such as kidney and testicular.
• Regulation: The Stockholm Convention has listed some PFAS, such as Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).