The Problem With “Forever Chemicals” (PFAS)
Why These Hidden Contaminants Are in Your Food, Water, and Everyday Products
They’ve been called “forever chemicals” because they never fully break down in the environment—or in the human body. Known scientifically as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), these synthetic chemicals are found in thousands of consumer products.
The Environmental Research Center (ERC) is committed to raising awareness about PFAS contamination and holding manufacturers accountable when they put the public at risk.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals developed in the 1940s for their unique ability to resist heat, water, and oil. They’ve been used in:
Nonstick cookware (Teflon and similar coatings)
Waterproof clothing
Grease-resistant food packaging (like burger wrappers and microwave popcorn bags)
Cosmetics (foundation, mascara, lipstick)
Firefighting foams
Their durability is exactly what makes them dangerous—they can persist in the environment for decades, moving through soil, water, and air, and accumulating in living organisms.
Why PFAS Are a Problem
PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals developed in the 1940s for their unique ability to resist heat, water, and oil. They’ve been used in:
Nonstick cookware (Teflon and similar coatings)
Waterproof clothing
Grease-resistant food packaging (like burger wrappers and microwave popcorn bags)
Cosmetics (foundation, mascara, lipstick)
Firefighting foams
Their durability is exactly what makes them dangerous—they can persist in the environment for decades, moving through soil, water, and air, and accumulating in living organisms.
What Consumers Can Do
While PFAS are widespread, there are steps individuals can take to reduce exposure:
