‘Forever chemicals’ can be detected almost anywhere using the right analytical equipment. This raises concerns about the health effects of current exposure levels.
Bangle Wu, Australian National University and Ehsan Nabavi, Australian National University
There are more so-called “forever chemicals” than you might know of. And although they may have already contaminated our environment, we don’t need to continue using them.
If you’re worried about pollution in the air we breathe, water we drink and food we eat, take time out to explore the evidence of harm and digest some practical advice on how to reduce your exposure.
A new study sheds light on how important exposure to PFAS chemicals via the skin might be and indicates which chemical structures might be most easily absorbed.
A more precautionary approach is required for the regulation of PFAS chemicals, otherwise industries will continue polluting the environment without breaking any laws.
It is difficult and expensive to effectively remove ‘forever chemicals’ from your drinking water at home. And you also don’t want to get rid of the health-giving minerals water contains.
PFAS are commonly found in waterproof clothing, stain-resistant textiles, cosmetics and cookware. Here’s how to best minimise your exposure to these forever chemicals.
Filtering out PFAS is only the first step. These ‘forever chemicals’ still have to be destroyed, and there are many questions about how to do that safely.
These chemicals are now found on almost every part of the planet, including in the bodies of a large percentage of the American public. An environmental health scientist explains the risks.