Forever
On chemicals that last forever, how to mitigate your exposure to them, and enact lasting change.
How's your back to autumn going? (And yes, before anyone yells at me, I know it's not fall yet, but we're back to school, so I'm calling it fall.) We're on a forever kick lately. It won't take forever; my child asks of the drawbridge when its opening requires us to wait. It won't be there forever —of the cut received while playing outside. It won't last forever—of the bus ride to the new school. Things rarely last forever, I want to respond, but what about when they do?
Because I've spent years reporting on food systems, I have long been aware of and nervous about forever chemicals. I can't hear the word forever and not think of those chemicals. Between settlements, some possible government action, and new information on farmland contamination, forever chemicals have been in the news a lot this past year; here's what to know about them, how to mitigate your exposure to them, and how to support long-term action around them.
What are forever chemicals?
So-called forever chemicals are a class of chemicals known as PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. That is a mouthful, and the nickname forever chemicals came about because they are basically indestructible. There are nearly 15,000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, and because they make things water-, stain-, grease-, and heat-resistant, they are used almost everywhere.
How are they used?
If you walked on a carpet, put on a piece of waterproof clothing, sipped water from the tap, used shampoo to wash your hair, or ate chips from a bag, today, chances are you came in contact with forever chemicals. For decades, they have been widely used in consumer goods. They are also used in refrigeration systems in electronics, medical devices, jet engines, and, well, you get the idea.
What's the problem with forever chemicals?
Lasting forever is one part of the problem. The chemicals accumulate in our waterways, soil, and bodies. In 2023, Texas A&M AgriLife scientists conducted the first generalized U.S. study on public awareness of PFAS. Researchers found that 97.4% of the 1,100 respondents from across the U.S. did not believe PFAS had impacted their drinking water. Yet, according to a recent study from the U.S. Geological Survey, almost half of the United States' water supply is contaminated with forever chemicals. Other research has found that nearly every American has a measurable amount of PFAS in their blood. Numerous studies have linked PFAS to health conditions, including infertility, decreased birth weight, congenital disabilities, and developmental delays, as well as increased risk of some cancers. There's still a lot we don't know about PFAS and what they are doing to us and the environment.
What can I do about forever chemicals?
It would be easy to spiral into despair about forever chemicals. To consider throwing away everything in your house in an effort to rid it of PFAS. Don't. There are better ways to mitigate your exposure. Plus, from an environmental perspective, your stain-resistant rug probably isn't going to hurt you, but degrading in a landfill, it will pollute the soil and water. Of course, when I do need a new rug or my daughter needs a new raincoat, I do look for ones that don't contain forever chemicals. It is often a wild goose chase, but it is possible. Most experts, however, say the biggest risk for exposure to PFAS is from water and food. To lessen your exposure:
Choose organic foods when you can. One potential PFAS contamination comes from sewage sludge spread on farmland as fertilizer, but that sludge can't be used on organic produce.
Reduce the packaged food you buy and consume. You can use the Center for Environmental Health website to find PFAS-free food packaging.
You can also look for BPI-certified products, which means they are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, which requires all compostable food packaging to be PFAS-free.
Choose to use butter or olive oil on a pan instead of non-stick pans.
Filter your water with a pitcher that is recommended for PFAS.
Avoid wearing water-resistant textiles.
California state law will soon prohibit the manufacturing, distribution, or sale of new textiles, youth products, and food packaging that contain regulated PFAS and ban cosmetic products that intentionally contain PFAS. Contact your local elected official to find out what actions they are taking in your state.
Vote. Under a new EPA rule, water systems have three years to monitor and report PFAS levels and another two years to address issues. That rule could be reversed if former President Trump retakes the White House. You can find out how to get involved with EPA regulations here.
~ Bridget
P.S. Here are a few things that I've been working on:
Published: How to Pack a Planet-Friendly School Lunch That Your Kids Will Love for Martha Stewart, and Building a Market for Invasive Species for Modern Farmer.
Working: On a guide to creating a firefly sanctuary in your yard for Modern Farmer and a piece on getting plastics out of your garden also for Modern Farmer. Let me know if you have tips or someone I should speak to. In a very wild experience, I recently got to select a voice actor to narrate the audio audition for my book, which is officially out in 2025.
Reading: I'm a big fan of J. Courtney Sullivan and loved The Cliffs, especially the dive into the history of an old house. I am eagerly awaiting the publication of Laura Dave's The Night We Lost Him.