Forever Chemicals

Category: Environment / Chemistry

  • "Forever chemicals" commonly refers to PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
  • They contain strong carbon–fluorine bonds, making many PFAS highly resistant to environmental degradation.
  • They have been used in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant materials, waterproof textiles and firefighting foams.
  • PFAS can persist in the environment and some can bioaccumulate.
  • Certain PFAS have been associated with adverse health and environmental effects.
  • Their persistence has made them a major concern in water and soil contamination.
  • International efforts increasingly focus on restricting or eliminating problematic PFAS.

Key Pointers: Forever chemicals → PFAS | Characteristic → Persistent | Key chemical feature → Strong C–F bond.