Understanding Forever Chemicals and Where They're Found

Forever chemicals, also called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are human-made compounds that have been used in thousands of products since the 1940s. The name "forever chemicals" comes from the fact that these substances don't break down naturally in the environment or in your body. Once PFAS enters soil, water, or your system, it stays there.

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These chemicals are used in many everyday products because they repel water and oil. Manufacturers add PFAS to nonstick cookware like Teflon pans, stain-resistant coatings on furniture and carpets, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging materials. They're also found in some cosmetics, dental floss, and ski wax. Industrial facilities that manufacture or use PFAS can release these chemicals into the air and water.

According to the CDC, PFAS have been detected in the blood of approximately 97% of Americans tested. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified more than 9,000 different types of PFAS compounds. While not all PFAS compounds have been studied equally, two that have received the most research attention are PFOA and PFOS, which were the primary components in Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) used in firefighting training and at airports.

PFAS contamination has been documented in drinking water supplies across the United States. The EPA set health advisory levels for certain PFAS in drinking water to help protect public health, though these standards continue to evolve as scientists learn more. Military bases, airports, landfills, and areas near industrial manufacturing facilities often show higher PFAS levels in local water supplies.

Practical Takeaway: Research what products in your home may contain PFAS by checking labels for "nonstick" and "stain-resistant" features. Look up whether PFAS have been detected in your local drinking water by checking your water utility's consumer confidence report, typically available on their website or by calling your local water department.

Health Effects and What Research Shows

Scientists have found links between PFAS exposure and several health concerns. The most studied PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, have been associated with increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, thyroid disease, and reduced vaccine response in children. Some studies suggest associations with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and pregnancy complications, though research in these areas continues.

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According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), even low-level PFAS exposure over long periods may pose health risks. Children may be more vulnerable to PFAS effects because their bodies are still developing and they typically have higher water consumption relative to their body weight. Pregnant women exposed to PFAS may pass these chemicals to their developing babies.

The CDC monitors PFAS levels in the U.S. population through its National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This ongoing study tracks how PFAS levels in people's blood change over time. Data shows that PFOS levels have decreased in some populations since these chemicals were phased out of certain manufacturing processes, but PFOA levels have remained more stable or decreased more slowly.

Not everyone exposed to PFAS will develop health problems. The risk depends on several factors including the concentration of PFAS, how long you're exposed, your age, your overall health, and your genetics. People who worked in industries using PFAS, lived near contaminated sites, or consumed contaminated water for many years generally have higher blood levels of these chemicals.

The EPA and other health agencies continue to study PFAS effects. New research emerges regularly as scientists investigate additional health outcomes. Some studies are examining whether PFAS affects bone health, reproductive health, and neurological development, though conclusions are still being formed.

Practical Takeaway: If you're concerned about your PFAS exposure due to your work, residence, or water source, discuss blood testing options with your doctor. While not routinely ordered, some healthcare providers can arrange PFAS blood tests to establish baseline levels, which may be useful if you've had prolonged exposure to known contaminated areas.

Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water

Drinking water is often the largest source of PFAS exposure for many Americans. Several methods can reduce PFAS levels in your household water. Activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and ion exchange resins have all demonstrated effectiveness at removing PFAS from water. The effectiveness varies based on the specific system, the PFAS compounds present, and how well the system is maintained.

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Activated carbon filters work by trapping PFAS molecules on the carbon surface. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters used in whole-home systems or point-of-use pitchers can remove some PFAS, though not all types equally. Reverse osmosis systems use pressure to force water through a membrane, removing most contaminants including PFAS. Ion exchange resins work differently by exchanging PFAS ions for harmless ions on the resin surface.

For whole-home protection, point-of-entry treatment systems treat all water before it enters your home. These include whole-house reverse osmosis, carbon filtration systems, or ion exchange units. Installation typically requires a plumber and represents a significant investment, generally ranging from $500 to $3,000 depending on your water quality and system type. You'll also need to factor in ongoing maintenance costs and filter replacement expenses.

For more affordable options, point-of-use systems treat water at individual taps. Under-sink filters, faucet-mounted filters, and water pitcher filters are less expensive but only treat water at that specific location. When selecting a filter, look for certification from NSF International or the Water Quality Association (WQA), which test filters independently and verify their claims about contaminant removal.

If your water comes from a public water system, check whether your water utility has tested for PFAS. Many utilities now publish this information in their annual water quality reports. Some municipalities have already installed treatment systems to remove PFAS. If your water supplier hasn't addressed PFAS, you might consider a home filtration system or requesting that your utility test for these contaminants.

Another option is using bottled water, though this creates plastic waste and ongoing costs. If you choose this route, research bottled water brands to see if they test for PFAS and publish results. Some bottled water companies have PFAS testing data available on their websites or through customer service.

Practical Takeaway: Contact your local water utility to request their PFAS test results or ask when testing will occur. If PFAS contamination is confirmed and your utility hasn't installed treatment, explore point-of-use filters certified for PFAS removal as a lower-cost interim solution while advocating for municipal treatment systems.

Minimizing PFAS in Food and Food Packaging

Food and food packaging represent another significant route of PFAS exposure. PFAS used in food packaging coatings can migrate into food, particularly fatty or oily foods. Grease-resistant paper used in fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and takeout containers often contains PFAS. Pizza boxes, deli papers, and baking papers frequently have these coatings as well.

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Certain foods tend to accumulate higher PFAS levels. Seafood, particularly shellfish, can contain elevated PFAS because these substances accumulate in aquatic environments. Fish from contaminated waters may have higher PFAS concentrations. Some drinking water sources used in food production can contribute to PFAS in food products. Dairy products and meat from animals raised in areas with PFAS-contaminated water or feed may contain these chemicals.

To reduce PFAS exposure through food, consider these approaches. Choose fresh foods over processed foods when possible, as processed foods involve more packaging that may contain PFAS. When buying seafood, vary your selections and avoid consuming large quantities of shellfish from single sources. Ask seafood suppliers where their products come from, particularly if you live in an area with known water contamination.

For food preparation, use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel cookware instead of nonstick cookware with PFAS coatings. Traditional cast iron, which has been used for generations, works well for many cooking tasks. If you do use nonstick cookware, avoid overheating it, as high temperatures can cause PFAS to break down and potentially be inhaled or enter food. Replace damaged n