You’ve probably heard the term “forever chemicals” in the news. But what exactly are they and why are scientists and health experts so concerned?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940’s to make products resistant to water, grease, stains and heat. They’re found in countless everyday items, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, stain-resistant carpets, cosmetics and even some firefighting foams.

The problem? PFAS don’t break down easily. Instead, they persist in the environment—and in our bodies—for years, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

How Are We Exposed?

Most people come into contact with PFAS through:

Drinking contaminated water
Eating food packaged in PFAS-treated materials
Using certain nonstick cookware
Wearing water- or stain-resistant clothing
Household dust from furniture, carpets and consumer products
Some personal care products and cosmetics

Because PFAS are so widespread, studies have found that the vast majority of people have measurable levels of these chemicals in their blood.

How Can PFAS Affect Our Health?

Research continues to evolve, but growing evidence suggests that long-term exposure to certain PFAS may increase the risk of several health problems, including:

Weakened Immune System

PFAS may reduce the body’s ability to fight infections.

Higher Cholesterol

Multiple studies have linked PFAS exposure with elevated cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

Hormone Disruption

Some PFAS can interfere with hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction and thyroid function.

Pregnancy and Infant Health

Research has associated higher PFAS exposure with lower birth weight, pregnancy complications and developmental concerns in infants.

Increased Risk of Certain Cancers

Some studies have found associations between high exposure to specific PFAS chemicals and increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers.

Liver and Kidney Effects

Long-term exposure may affect liver function and place additional stress on the kidneys.

Why Are PFAS So Difficult to Remove?

Unlike many chemicals that naturally degrade over time, PFAS are built with extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds make them resistant to heat, water and natural breakdown processes. Once they enter groundwater, rivers or lakes, they can remain for decades unless removed through specialized treatment technologies.

What Can You Do?

While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate PFAS exposure completely, you can reduce your risk by:

Using a high-quality water filter certified to reduce PFAS if your local water supply is affected.
Limiting the use of nonstick cookware that is damaged or worn.
Choosing products labeled as PFAS-free when possible.
Reducing reliance on heavily grease-resistant food packaging.
Staying informed about local drinking water testing and advisories.

The Bottom Line

PFAS have made modern products more convenient, but that convenience has come with unintended consequences. Because these chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, reducing exposure has become an important public health goal.

Scientists continue to study exactly how PFAS affect human health but current evidence already points to meaningful risks from long-term exposure. As awareness grows, manufacturers, regulators and consumers are increasingly seeking safer alternatives that protect both human health and the environment.

Understanding what PFAS are is the first step toward making informed choices for yourself and your family.