What are Forever Chemicals?

About Forever Chemicals

• PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), also known as the Forever Chemicals, are a large chemical family of over 4,700 highly persistent man-made chemicals.
• These were first developed in the 1940s and are now found in a variety of consumer products, including nonstick pans, water-resistant textiles, and fire suppression foams, due to their ability to repel both grease and water.
• PFAS are the most persistent synthetic chemicals to date. They hardly degrade in the natural environment and have been found in the blood of people and animals all over the world, and are present at low levels in a variety of food products.
• The secret to PFAS’s indestructibility lies in its chemical bonds. PFAS contains many carbon-fluorine bonds, which are the strongest bonds in organic chemistry.
• These chemicals also cause pollution at every stage of production. At the PFAS chemical manufacturing facilities and garment factories, they often contaminate the air, water, and soil of the surrounding environment.
• Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancers, weakened immune systems among children, weight gain, and a wide range of other health problems.

Q1) What are chemical bonds?

Chemical bonding is the attraction between two or more atoms that allows them to be able to form a stable chemical compound. The specific nature of a chemical bond can vary, but the most commonly known are covalent and ionic bonds. With these bonds, it provides sufficient energy between atoms when one has less. It’s the force of attraction that holds atoms, allowing the electrons to form a bond together. 

Source: Researchers unveil method to detect 'forever chemicals' in under 3 minutes