Chemicals are everywhere—literally. Humans are entirely made of chemicals, as is the water we drink and the air we breathe. Unlike the natural chemicals that make up these things, some chemicals, like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are man-made. 

PFAS have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” for their tendency to build up in our bodies. Dr. Austin Williams, a primary care provider, explains whether you should be concerned and what you can do to lower your exposure if you wish. 

What are PFAS? 

PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in everyday materials since about the 1950s. These substances have been nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they can accumulate in our bloodstream and organs and take decades to break down. 

PFAS are commonly found in cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and other industrial equipment, making them difficult to avoid entirely. 

“They work their way into most of the facets of our lives,” says Dr. Williams. 

Should You Worry? 

Dr. Williams explains that we don’t yet know the exact health implications of PFAS because it’s almost impossible to conduct a study on them. 

“The gold standard for a study is the double-blind, randomized control. You can’t really do that with this,” he says. “Basically, everybody has been exposed to at least one of these chemicals, so there’s no way to do a controlled experiment of what occurs in the people exposed to these chemicals versus what happens to people who aren’t exposed.” 

However, there have been studies that suggest an association between PFAS and high cholesterol, problems with fetal and infant growth, and increased risk of kidney cancer. Studies have also shown a possible link to breast cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid dysfunction, pregnancy-related hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. 

The main thing to remember, Dr. Williams stresses, is that these are correlations, not causations. 

What You Can Do 

If you want to limit your exposure to PFAS, there are easy steps you can take. 

“For the average person,” Dr. Williams says, “you’re going to be exposed [to PFAS] from certain everyday household items.” 

He recommends getting rid of plastic food packaging and storage containers, nonstick pans and utensils, and stain-resistant carpeting and upholstery. There are also water filters that can block PFAS. 

Some occupations, such as firefighting, carry a higher risk of exposure. For these individuals, it is recommended that they be tested to determine their exposure. From there, your healthcare provider can determine the best screenings and preventive measures to address potential health complications.