The Hidden Danger of Forever Chemicals: What You Need to Know
When it comes to safeguarding your health, there seems to be so many concerns to think about. Granted, we have come along way from the days when doctors promoted smoking as something healthy but sadly, as protections are put into place, new hidden dangers appear to be lurking in our midst.
The above ad is an example of just how far we have come as a society. In reality, we still have a long way to go. This article aims to provide a brief explanation about what you need to know about forever chemicals.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
You may or may not have heard about something commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Scientifically, these toxic chemicals are referred to as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are synthetic compounds widely used in industrial applications and consumer products due to their durability and resistance to water, oil, and heat.
However, this persistence has come at a significant environmental and health cost primarily because they are ubiquitous. These chemicals can be found in the most unexpected places such as in household appliances, carpets, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. Forever chemicals are also present in some food and water. Reading labels just isn’t enough anymore. Consumers must educate themselves about any products they buy beforehand.
Products Containing Forever Chemicals
PFAS are found in numerous everyday products, including:
- Nonstick cookware
- Stain-resistant carpets and upholstery
- Waterproof clothing
- Food packaging (e.g., microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes)
- Firefighting foam
- Cosmetics and personal care products
Their widespread use results in environmental contamination and human exposure through drinking water, food, and household dust. Source: “Consumer Products Containing PFAS” – Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). “Basic Information on PFAS” – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Other Names for Forever Chemicals
In addition to PFAS, these substances are often labeled as:
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)
- GenX Chemicals
Each name represents a subgroup or related family of PFAS compounds, some of which have been phased out due to safety concerns, only to be replaced by newer but similarly persistent versions. Source: “PFAS Explained” – National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Who Created Forever Chemicals?
Forever chemicals were first developed in the 1930s by chemical companies 3M and DuPont. Their commercial application began with Teflon in the 1950’s, a nonstick coating made using PFOA. Over the decades, these chemicals became ubiquitous in various industries. Source: “PFAS Chemicals: History and Use” – U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
According to Manufacturing Dive, the timeline is as follows:
- In 1945, DuPont trademarked PTFE as Teflon.
- In 1945, 3M, then known as the Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Co., acquires the Simons Process from Joseph Simons, which allows the company to upscale the production of fluorochemicals and other types of PFAS.
- In 1951, DuPont’s plastics manufacturing plant in Parkersburg, West Virginia, begins production of Teflon.
- In 1953, 3M scientists Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith discover perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which would go on to be used as a component in a wide variety of products for years, including Scotchgard.
- In 1954, French engineer Marc Grégoire coats his wife’s cooking pans with Teflon. Two years later, Grégoire launches Tefal, a company that produces Teflon-coated cookware.
I remember seeing numerous ads on television and in print ads as a child for Teflon -coated cookware back in the early 1980’s. There were also countless “As Seen On-TV” products geared towards making your life easier with non-stick cookware. Little did we know that we were slowly being exposed to deadly chemicals.
Why Are Forever Chemicals Allowed in the United States?
In the United States, PFAS have historically been poorly regulated. Federal agencies like the EPA have been slow to impose restrictions, citing the need for more comprehensive studies to determine the full scope of health risks. Lobbying from industrial stakeholders has also delayed stringent policies. However, recent years have seen increased awareness, with efforts to set drinking water standards and reduce PFAS exposure. Source: “EPA Actions to Address PFAS” – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA still has yet to regulate neonicotinoid pesticides ( proven to be responsible for the global pollinator decline) which have been used widely throughout agriculture and the home environment.
Countries That Have Banned Forever Chemicals
Several countries have imposed stricter regulations or outright bans on certain PFAS. For example:
- European Union: Will restrict undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and related substances starting in April 2026. A comprehensive ban on PFAS in firefighting foam and food packaging is underway, with additional restrictions on other uses.
- Norway: Prohibits most PFAS in consumer products.
- Denmark: Banned PFAS in food packaging in 2020.
- France: Banned PFAS in almost all products except cookware
- Japan: Banned the manufacturing and use of PFOS and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and related salts.
- New Zealand: Banned PFAS in cosmetics.
- Australia: Has policies regulating PFAS for at least six years.
- Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden have submitted a proposal to restrict a wide range of PFAS uses.
Source: “PFAS Regulation in Europe” – European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Basically, forever chemicals represent a significant environmental and public health risk. While progress is being made to regulate these substances, their pervasive nature necessitates greater global cooperation and innovation to replace PFAS with safer alternatives. Public awareness and policy reforms will be crucial to mitigating their long-term impact.
For more information about PFAS, consult reputable resources such as the EPA, CDC, and NIEHS, which are actively working to educate the public and implement measures to address this persistent threat. Always read your labels and read ALL of the information on the products you buy, especially when it comes to the materials used to create the product!