You’ve probably heard the term “forever chemicals” floating around in the news, but what exactly are they—and why are they showing up in our drinking water? The term refers to a group of man-made chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are infamous for their ability to stick around in the environment—and our bodies—without breaking down. These chemicals have been used in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof fabrics, and now they’ve made their way into our water supply. That’s where things get really concerning.
Unlike other contaminants that eventually break down or get filtered out over time, PFAS are incredibly resistant to heat, water, and oil. That means they don’t just disappear—they accumulate. Once they’re in the environment, they stick around, finding their way into soil, water sources, and eventually our bodies. So, why are they still being used, and what can you do to protect yourself? Let’s dive into the gritty details.
1. What Are Forever Chemicals, Exactly?
Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are a group of over 4,700 synthetic compounds that have been manufactured since the 1940s. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, they were originally created for their ability to resist heat, water, and grease, which made them highly useful in a range of industries. Think about nonstick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and even fast-food wrappers—PFAS are behind their magical ability to repel liquids and stains. The problem is, these chemicals don’t break down in the environment or in our bodies.
Because of their chemical structure, PFAS are extremely stable, which means they don’t dissolve or degrade naturally. This makes them incredibly difficult to remove from the environment once they’ve been introduced. Over time, they accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms—including humans. Once they’re in your system, they stick around for years, leading to potential long-term health consequences.
2. How Did They Get Into Our Drinking Water?
According to ScienceDirect, PFAS have been released into the environment through industrial manufacturing, military use, and everyday consumer products. Factories that produce PFAS have historically discharged them into nearby rivers and lakes, where they eventually seep into groundwater supplies. Military bases have also contributed to the problem through the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS, which have contaminated nearby water sources.
Household products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging have also been culprits. When these items are manufactured, used, or discarded, PFAS can leach into the soil and water supply. Municipal water treatment facilities aren’t designed to filter out PFAS, which means that once they enter the water system, they’re incredibly difficult to remove.
3. Why Are They Called “Forever” Chemicals?
The term “forever chemicals” comes from their near-indestructible nature. According to NRDC, unlike other chemicals that naturally degrade over time, PFAS are designed to be chemically stable, which means they resist breaking down. Their molecular structure includes strong carbon-fluorine bonds—the strongest chemical bonds in nature—which makes them nearly impossible to destroy.
Even when exposed to heat, light, or biological activity, PFAS remain intact. This means they can persist in the environment for decades, circulating through water systems, accumulating in plants and animals, and eventually making their way into human bodies. Once they’re in your system, they can remain there for years, continuously building up with repeated exposure.
4. How Do They Affect Your Health?
Research has linked PFAS exposure to a wide range of health issues. Some of the most concerning effects include an increased risk of certain cancers, hormonal disruption, and immune system problems. PFAS have also been found to increase cholesterol levels, cause liver damage, and interfere with reproductive health.
One of the biggest concerns is their ability to mimic hormones in the body, which can throw off your endocrine system. Studies have shown that PFAS exposure may increase the risk of thyroid disorders, lower birth weights, and cause developmental problems in children. Because these chemicals stay in your system for so long, even low-level exposure over time can have cumulative health effects.
5. Are They Regulated?
Despite the well-documented health risks, PFAS regulation in the U.S. has been slow. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set health advisory levels for certain PFAS in drinking water, but these are not legally enforceable limits. This means that water utilities aren’t required to remove PFAS unless local or state laws specifically mandate it.
In recent years, some states have taken action by setting their own limits and requiring more aggressive testing. However, a nationwide solution is still lacking. The chemical industry has also fought regulation efforts, arguing that PFAS are essential for certain industrial processes. As a result, the presence of PFAS in drinking water remains a widespread problem.
6. Why Aren’t Water Treatment Plants Removing Them?
Most water treatment plants are not equipped to filter out PFAS. Traditional filtration methods, such as chlorine treatment and sediment filtration, are ineffective against these chemicals. PFAS molecules are so small and chemically resistant that they pass right through standard filters.
Advanced filtration methods like activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange can remove PFAS, but these systems are expensive and not widely used. Smaller municipalities, in particular, often lack the funding to upgrade their facilities to handle PFAS contamination. As a result, PFAS remain in the drinking water supply in many areas.
7. How Can You Test Your Drinking Water for PFAS?
Home water testing kits are available, but not all of them are capable of detecting PFAS. Specialized lab tests are usually required to measure PFAS levels accurately. Some state health departments offer free or low-cost testing in areas where PFAS contamination is known to be a problem.
If you’re concerned about PFAS in your water, you can also contact your local water authority for a water quality report. The EPA requires public water systems to report certain contaminant levels, although PFAS testing isn’t mandatory everywhere.
8. Are Bottled Waters Free from PFAS?
Not necessarily. Some bottled water brands have been found to contain measurable levels of PFAS. While many companies use advanced filtration methods, others simply bottle municipal tap water, which may already be contaminated with PFAS.
The safest option is to look for bottled water brands that specifically state they use reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration. However, even high-quality bottled water isn’t a long-term solution since it contributes to plastic waste and environmental damage.
9. Can You Filter PFAS at Home?
Yes, but you’ll need the right kind of filter. Standard pitcher filters and basic faucet filters are not effective against PFAS. Reverse osmosis systems and activated carbon filters have been shown to reduce PFAS levels significantly.
However, these systems can be expensive to install and maintain. Whole-house filtration systems offer the most comprehensive protection but can cost thousands of dollars. For most people, a high-quality under-sink reverse osmosis filter provides the best balance of cost and effectiveness.
10. Are PFAS Found in Food?
Yes. PFAS can accumulate in soil and water, which means they can enter the food chain. Studies have detected PFAS in fish, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. PFAS can also transfer from food packaging into the food itself, particularly in fast food and microwaveable meals.
Since PFAS don’t break down easily, they accumulate in animal tissues and pass up the food chain. This means that meat, fish, and dairy from animals raised in contaminated areas are more likely to contain PFAS.
11. Are There Safer Alternatives to PFAS?
Some manufacturers have begun phasing out certain PFAS compounds, but replacement chemicals may not be any safer. Research suggests that many “short-chain” PFAS compounds are just as persistent and toxic as the ones they replaced.
In the meantime, consumer demand for PFAS-free products has increased. Brands are now marketing nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and food packaging made without PFAS, but labeling isn’t always clear.
12. What’s Being Done to Fix the Problem?
Several states have passed laws banning certain PFAS compounds in food packaging and firefighting foams. Lawsuits against major manufacturers like 3M and DuPont have also resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements to fund water cleanup efforts.
However, comprehensive federal action is still lacking. Without stronger nationwide regulations, PFAS contamination will continue to be a widespread issue.
13. What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
Investing in a good home water filtration system is the most effective way to reduce your exposure to PFAS. Additionally, try to limit your use of products known to contain PFAS, such as nonstick cookware and fast food wrappers.
Public pressure can also drive change. Supporting legislation to regulate PFAS and fund water cleanup efforts is key to protecting future generations from these harmful chemicals.