likely come across fluorinated forever chemicals every day. These substances, or PFAS, are found in many products and places. They are known for lasting a long time in the environment and can harm humans and nature.
Many products you use daily may contain these chemicals. This includes food packaging, clothes, and more. Knowing where these chemicals are can help you reduce your exposure and stay healthy.
The Persistence of Forever Chemicals
Forever chemicals are known to last a long time in the environment. Their unique structure is key. It's made of carbon and fluorine atoms, giving them non-stick and water-repellent qualities. This makes them hard to break down.
The structure of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) is why they last so long. Research shows this structure is the main reason. Let's look at the important parts of forever chemicals:
- PFAS have a chain of carbon and fluorine atoms, making them non-stick and water-repellent.
- They were first used in the 1940s as a non-stick coating for cookware.
- PFAS are found in many products, like food packaging, clothing, and firefighting foam.
Knowing about PFAS's structure and history helps us understand their lasting effects. Their persistence is a big worry. It's important to know the risks they pose.
What Makes These Chemicals "Forever"?
The term "forever chemicals" comes from their lasting presence in the environment. They don't break down quickly, so they can stay around for hundreds of years, harming both humans and the environment.
The Chemical Structure of PFAS
PFAS structure is a chain of carbon (hydrogen) and fluorine atoms. This gives them non-stick and water-repellent qualities. It also makes them hard to break down.
Historical Development and Usage
PFAS were first used in the 1940s for non-stick cookware. Since then, they've been used in many products, including food packaging, clothing, and firefighting foam.
Fluorinated "Forever Chemicals" and Where to Find Them in Your Daily Life
Fluorinated "forever chemicals" are in many products you use every day. They are used as non-stick coatings, water repellents, or stain resistors. This means you can be exposed to them in food packaging, clothing, personal care items, and cleaning products.
Some common products that may contain fluorinated "forever chemicals" include:
- Food packaging, such as microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes
- Clothing, such as waterproof jackets and stain-resistant pants
- Personal care products, such as toothpaste and shampoo
- Cleaning products, such as stain removers and carpet cleaners
You might also be exposed to these chemicals through contaminated water or air. Knowing where these chemicals come from is important. By understanding this, you can make choices to lower your exposure and keep yourself healthy.
| Product | Potential Exposure |
|---|---|
| Food packaging | Chemicals can leach into food |
| Clothing | Chemicals can be absorbed through the skin |
| Personal care products | Chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or ingested |
| Cleaning products | Chemicals can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin |
Taking Action: Protecting Yourself from Forever Chemical Exposure
To reduce your exposure to "forever chemicals," start by using products without PFAS. These chemicals are found in many products and last a long time. Look for alternatives that are PFAS-free.
Also, filter your water and avoid food in packaging that might contain these chemicals. This can help lower your exposure.
Supporting efforts to limit "forever chemicals" is also key. By choosing products wisely and pushing for better laws, you help reduce pollution. Your actions can make a big difference.
References and further reading
- Fluorinated “forever chemicals” and where to find them – L Casas. ANEMEL (2024)
- A guide to the PFAS found in our environment – C Hogue. C&EN (2019)
- ‘Dark Waters’ and PFOA – FAQ – ChemTrust
- The scale of the problem of replacing ‘forever chemicals’ PFAS – R Trager. Chemistry World (2024)
- Early life exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and latent health outcomes: A review including the placenta as a target tissue and possible driver of peri- and postnatal effects – B E Blake and S E Fenton. Toxicology (2020)
- Historical and current usage of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A literature review – L G T Gaines. American Journal of Industrial Medicine (2022)