Forever Chemicals

Reference

Research in the US has shown that fertilizer made from urban sewage that has been used on millions of acres of farmland for decades contains high levels of toxic substances, also known as Forever Chemicals.

Forever Chemicals

• The term ‘forever chemicals’ refers to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFLS), a group of highly toxic, man-made chemicals.
  • These substances are extremely resistant to decomposition in the environment and the human body.
• PFAS molecules contain a chain of carbon and fluorine atoms. The carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, making these chemicals not easily decompose in the environment.

Types of Forever Chemicals

• There are mainly three types of Forever Chemicals:
• Fluorosurfactants: These include perfluoroalkyl acids, perfluoroctanoic acid, or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid.
  • These soap-like molecules are widely used in industries such as paints, varnishes, and firefighting foams.
• Fluoropolymers: Long, plastic-like chains of carbon and fluorine that have wide consumer applications; such as the nonstick chemical coating Teflon.
• Fluorocarbons: Small-molecules of gas or liquid, used in refrigerators and air-conditioning systems.

Side Effects of Forever Chemicals

• Health Risks: PFAS can cause serious health problems, including cancer, damage to the reproductive and immune systems, birth defects, etc.
• Contaminated Water Supply: PFAS seep into the water supply from landfills, factories, and industrial facilities.
• Presence in the Body: These chemicals are reaching the blood of almost everyone, including newborns.