Forever Chemicals: An Urgent Environmental and Health Concern.

Introduction

'Forever chemicals' is a term that has entered the public consciousness in recent years as researchers, regulators, and the public become increasingly aware of the dangers posed by these persistent synthetic substances. Known for their resistance to degradation, these chemicals are found everywhere—from drinking water and food packaging to non-stick cookware and firefighting foams.

Despite their utility, the growing body of evidence linking them to environmental contamination and adverse health effects has triggered global concern. Understanding the scope of the issue is essential for crafting effective regulatory, industrial, and public health responses.

History

The origins of forever chemicals date back to the 1940s, when per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were first developed by chemical companies such as 3M and DuPont. These compounds were prized for their unique properties—resistance to water, oil, heat, and chemical reactions—which made them ideal for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.

By the 1990s and early 2000s, scientists began detecting PFAS in the blood of humans and animals worldwide, raising red flags about their persistence and bioaccumulation. Regulatory agencies began to take action, leading to bans or restrictions on specific PFAS variants, such as PFOA and PFOS, in many countries.

Definitions

UNEP Definition

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines PFAS (commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals') as:

“A group of synthetic chemicals that contain fluorinated carbon atoms, which are highly resistant to degradation in the environment and human body, leading to widespread environmental persistence and potential adverse effects.”

MoEFCC (India) Definition

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) defines PFAS in draft policy documents as:

“Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances that resist degradation and pose risks to environmental and human health due to their bioaccumulative and toxic nature.”

Types of Forever Chemicals (PFAS)

There are over 10,000 identified PFAS compounds, but the most studied include:

1. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
2. PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate)
3. PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid)
4. PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid)
5. GenX chemicals (used as replacements for PFOA)
6. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs)
7. Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS)

Uses of Forever Chemicals

Forever chemicals are used in a wide array of products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil:

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Thermal and chemical stability
• Resistance to oil, water, and stains
• Improves product longevity
• Critical in some medical and defense applications

Cons

• Extremely persistent in the environment (do not break down)
• Bioaccumulative in humans and wildlife
• Linked to serious health effects (e.g., cancer, hormone disruption)
• Contaminates water and soil globally

Precautions

To reduce exposure and environmental release:

1. Avoid products with Teflon or PTFE coatings (unless verified PFAS-free).
2. Check labels: Avoid items labeled “stain-resistant,” “waterproof,” or “grease-proof.”
3. Use PFAS-free firefighting foams.
4. Proper disposal: Follow hazardous waste protocols for industrial users.
5. Monitor water sources: Especially near industrial zones or airports.

Environmental and Health Hazards

Environmental Hazards

• PFAS leach into groundwater and contaminate drinking water sources.
• Accumulate in soils, sediments, and aquatic life.
• Resistant to conventional water treatment technologies.
• Long-distance environmental transport via air and water currents.

Health Hazards

• Carcinogenic (linked to kidney and testicular cancer)
• Endocrine disruptors (impacting hormones and reproduction)
• Immune system suppression
• Liver damage
• Developmental issues in infants and children

Source: ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry), U.S. EPA, WHO studies on PFAS health risks.

Checks and Controls by UNEP and MoEFCC

UNEP Initiatives

• Included PFOS and PFOA in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
• Supports global capacity building for monitoring, regulation, and safe disposal of PFAS.
• Promotes the SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management).

MoEFCC Measures

• Drafting regulations to restrict the import, manufacture, and use of certain PFAS.
• Collaboration with CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) for groundwater and soil monitoring.
• Inclusion of PFAS in the Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules (2016) for industrial discharge limits.
• Capacity building programs with NCSCM, IITs, and NEERI to study PFAS contamination.

CHEMEXCIL’s View on Forever Chemicals

The Chemicals Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL) has highlighted the following:

• Concerns over potential restrictions on Indian chemical exports due to PFAS contamination.
• Calls for technology transfer and guidance from developed countries to help Indian industries transition to PFAS alternatives.
• Advocates for balanced regulation—safeguarding health and environment without crippling domestic manufacturers.
• Encourages R&D in green chemistry to develop sustainable chemical alternatives.

How to Cope with It?

For Individuals

• Use PFAS-free products (look for certifications).
• Install activated carbon or reverse osmosis water filters.
• Stay informed through government advisories and scientific reports.

For Industries

• Shift toward green chemistry and biodegradable alternatives.
• Conduct life cycle assessments (LCAs) to assess PFAS use.
• Implement closed-loop systems to prevent environmental release.

For Governments

• Ban or restrict non-essential PFAS use.
• Provide incentives for R&D into safer alternatives.
• Mandate disclosure and labeling of PFAS content.
• Fund remediation of contaminated sites.

Way Forward

• Stronger international cooperation through UNEP, WTO, and regional bodies.
• Innovation in materials science to create viable PFAS alternatives.
• Public-private partnerships for technology upgrades in affected industries.
• Expand PFAS-related research in India, especially in the context of agriculture, water, and public health.

Conclusion

Forever chemicals have proven to be both a marvel of modern chemistry and a cautionary tale. Their resistance to breakdown has made them indispensable in countless applications, but this same property has also rendered them an environmental menace.

To live in a sustainable, health-conscious future, society must transition toward safer chemicals, transparent regulations, and responsible industrial practices. A unified response—spanning citizens, scientists, industries, and governments—is essential to mitigate the impact of forever chemicals and safeguard our planet for generations to come.

Here is a list of references and sources for the article on Forever Chemicals, curated from reputable international and Indian institutions:

References

1. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• UNEP (2022). 'Chemicals in our life: PFAS – forever chemicals'.
  https://www.unep.org
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants – PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS listings.
  http://chm.pops.int

2. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India

• MoEFCC Draft Notification (2023). Proposal for Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.
  https://moef.gov.in
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Guidelines for Management of Hazardous Waste including PFAS-contaminated materials.
  https://cpcb.nic.in

3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• EPA (2023). 'PFAS Explained'.
  https://www.epa.gov/pfas
• EPA Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS in Drinking Water.
  https://www.epa.gov/sdwa

4. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

• ATSDR (2021). Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls.
  https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov

5. World Health Organization (WHO)

• WHO (2021). 'PFAS in Drinking-water: Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality'.
  https://www.who.int/publications

6. CHEMEXCIL – Chemicals Export Promotion Council of India

• CHEMEXCIL Reports (2023). Industry Consultation on the Impacts of PFAS Regulations on Indian Exports.
  https://chemexcil.in

7. Scientific Literature

• Cousins, I. T. et al. (2020). 'The concept of essential use for determining when uses of PFASs can be phased out'. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 22, 1807–1815.
  https://pubs.rsc.org
• Sunderland, E. M. et al. (2019). 'A review of the pathways of human exposure to PFAS and associated health effects'. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 29, 131–147.
• Kwiatkowski, C. F. et al. (2020). 'Scientific basis for managing PFAS as a chemical class'. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 7(8), 532–543.

8. Media and NGO Reports

• Environmental Working Group (EWG). 'PFAS Contamination in the U.S.'
  https://www.ewg.org
• Down to Earth (Centre for Science and Environment, India). 'Forever Chemicals in India: A Hidden Hazard'.
  https://www.downtoearth.org.in

 Note:

All references were selected for scientific credibility, governmental authority, or relevance to Indian regulatory frameworks. This list is suitable for academic citation, policy briefings, or corporate research.