logo

“Forever chemicals” are everywhere: Here are the 6 products most likely to be in your home

When a person hears the term “forever chemicals,” it is unlikely that their immediate reaction is, “Yum! I want that inside my body!” Yet these so-called forever chemicals — technically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as well as chemicals like bisphenols— are absolutely everywhere. It is a statistical certainty that a person reading this article has forever chemicals in their bloodstream, and perhaps in other tissues....

Originally posted on salon.com

The EU is reportedly conceding to chemical companies to allow “forever chemicals”

Although the European Commission has promised to ban all but the most essential of the hazardous chemicals found in commonly used products in Europe, a new report by The Guardian indicates that they are prepared to break that promise. If they do so, it will continue a pattern of government regulators failing to adequately monitor businesses that release potentially hazardous chemicals into the environment....

Originally posted on salon.com

“Regrettable substitutions”: Why it’s hard to ban “forever” chemicals, according to experts

Teflon is probably the most famous of the “forever chemicals,” but it is far from alone among them. Although one would hope that governments would heavily regulate a product linked to serious health issues like cancer, high blood pressure and infertility, chemicals known as PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are largely able to slip under the radar....

Originally posted on salon.com

How did nonstick “forever chemicals” get into our food? Blame pesticides

Pesticides have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. From the discovery that the herbicide glyphosate is in 80 percent of Americans’ urine to concerns that weedkillers’ neonicotinoids in pesticides are killing off bees, scientists keep amassing alarming information about the products ostensibly intended to protect our food. Now a recent study by a nonprofit focused on protecting the environment reveals a new problem with pesticides: They are filled with forever chemicals, a class of compound that is typically used in nonstick and waterproof surfaces....

Originally posted on salon.com