Forever Chemicals: What's the Deal With PFAS?

“Forever chemicals” has a somewhat dystopian ring to it, and probably for good reason. We call PFAS “forever chemicals” because that’s exactly what they are: substances that don’t break down. They slipped quietly into almost everything around us.

Coating non-stick pans, helping that red lipstick stay put, making takeaway wrappers feel oddly grease-proof, and yes, quite possibly helping your favourite yoga pants survive coffee spills and sweaty workouts.

Only now are we realising that the very chemicals that made life more convenient may also be lingering far longer than we ever intended.

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances; a big scientific name for a huge family (over 4,000!) of man-made chemicals.

What makes them special (and troublesome) is their superpower: They don’t break down easily. Their chemical structure makes them extremely stable. They can resist:

• Water
• Oil
• Heat
• Stains

Once they’re out in the world, or in your body, they stick around for a long time.

World War II and the accident that slid into our kitchens

In 1938, chemist Roy Plunkett wasn’t trying to invent a household material at all. He was searching for better refrigerant gases when he accidentally created PTFE (now branded as Teflon), a strange new substance that shrugged off heat, water, and grease. During World War Two, this material found specialised use in critical military equipment where durability mattered most. Post-war, the science moved from battlefields to everyday homes, landing in non-stick pans, treated fabrics, and all the little conveniences of modern life.ok

Why did they spread so widely?

Simply because they worked brilliantly. Through the 1950s to the 1990s, PFAS became the invisible backbone of modern convenience. They helped make cookware slick, clothes waterproof, carpets stain-resistant, and food packaging grease-proof. Airports and military bases used PFAS-based foams to extinguish blazing fuel fires. For decades, there was little reason to question them—they did exactly what they were designed to do.

The problem is that what made PFAS so useful also made them a quiet environmental hitchhiker. They wash off into rivers, seep into soil, and accumulate in groundwater. From there, they can end up in drinking water, crops, animals, and eventually, people. Because they don’t break down, they build up over time.

Why are people worried?

Over the years, research has linked certain PFAS to health concerns like:

• Thyroid problems
• Higher cholesterol levels
• Reduced immune response (especially to vaccines)
• Liver issues
• Kidney issues
• Fertility problems
• Increased risk of some cancers (like kidney and testicular cancer)

Can we do anything about it?

You can’t eliminate PFAS completely; they’re already in the environment, but you can reduce your exposure in smart, practical ways.

1) Start with your water (biggest win)

This is the single most impactful step. If possible:

• Use a activated carbon filter or reverse osmosis (RO) system at home.
• If you already have an RO, make sure the carbon filter is working and changed on time.

2) Be mindful of cookware

You don’t need to throw everything out in a fit of panic. Just:

• Prefer stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic when you can.
• If you use non-stick pans:

1. Avoid overheating them
2. Don’t use metal spoons
3. Replace them once they start getting scratched or worn out

3) Food packaging & takeaways

This can be hard. But try to:

• Reduce takeaways in greasy paper wrappers.
• Avoid reheating food in fast-food paper containers or plastic takeaway boxes.
• Avoid reusing single-use packaging at home for storing food. Use glass or steel containers instead.

4) Keep your home a little less dusty

PFAS can collect in household dust.

• Wet mop instead of dry sweeping when you can.
• Wipe kitchen surfaces with a damp cloth rather than just dusting.

5) Eat in a way that supports your body’s natural detox system

Your liver and kidneys are your built-in filters. You can support them by

• Eating plenty of fibre: dals, veggies, fruits, whole grains.
• Staying hydrated.
• Including antioxidant-rich foods like amla, turmeric, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and berries (when available).

This may not remove PFAS from your body, but it supports your body’s ability to handle different kinds of toxins better overall.