This widely-used industrial chemical can be found in numerous locations.

You come across these substances almost daily — invisible, scentless, and extremely persistent. They quietly seep into your living space, meals, water supply, and even your bloodstream. Despite substantial evidence connecting them to severe health hazards like cancer and hormone disruption, these long-lasting chemicals continue to be widespread, posing a looming danger to both health and the environment. What are these chemicals, and how can you protect yourself before it's too late?

Overview

• PFCs Are Everywhere: Polyfluoroalkylated chemicals (PFCs) are found in everyday items such as nonstick pans, rugs, and fast-food packaging — and they do not decompose easily in the environment or in your body.

• Serious Health Threats: PFCs are associated with various health issues, including cancer, thyroid problems, elevated cholesterol, compromised immune system, and birth abnormalities, with research indicating their near-universal presence in human blood samples.

• Limited Regulation and Risky Replacements: Although older PFCs like PFOA have been prohibited, chemical manufacturers have introduced alternatives like GenX that may be equally harmful, leaving individuals to take their own measures to minimize exposure.

How “Forever Chemicals” Could Be Altering Your DNA

Every day, you are exposed to concealed chemicals that can silently hasten aging; chances are, you are oblivious to this fact. You probably encounter this type of chemical daily, which is not favorable.

Research indicates that these chemicals can disrupt your hormonal balance, damage your thyroid, elevate cholesterol levels, induce weight gain, lead to birth defects, and even trigger cancer.

Aside from the health risks, these chemicals also cause severe environmental damage as they do not degrade over time.

The chemicals in question are polyfluoroalkylated chemicals (PFCs). So, what exactly are they, and how detrimental are they to your well-being?

PFCs are utilized in Teflon™, Scotchguard™, and numerous other products. They belong to an extensive group of per- and polyfluoroalkylated chemicals with over 4,730 members and counting!

These chemicals consist of very stable carbon-fluorine structures that do not decompose naturally. Additionally, they are highly mobile and can easily spread through water bodies, rain, air, and other mediums.

The half-life of these chemicals in your body is approximately five years — meaning it takes five years to eliminate half of the chemical from your system, assuming no further exposure.

This is why they are nicknamed “forever chemicals” — they adhere persistently, whether you want them to or not.

Companies leave a legacy of dishonesty and pollution

For decades, manufacturers of PFCs have left behind a legacy of polluting water and soil repeatedly. Furthermore, they have a history of deceiving federal and state authorities, as well as their own employees, about these actions.

One PFC known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has resulted in over 3,500 personal injury claims against DuPont. Internal documents suggest that DuPont was aware of these risks as early as 1961. This spans six long decades.

Meanwhile, they discharged chemical waste into water bodies like the Ohio River for many years.

PFOA was eventually globally banned under the Stockholm Convention in 2019.

However, this does not mean the chemical has been eradicated. Since these chemicals do not degrade, millions of products containing these toxins are still in circulation.

PFCs induce extensive health issues

In May 2015, over 200 scientists from 40 countries warned about the dangers of PFC chemicals. They documented the following health impacts resulting from exposure:

• Liver toxicity
• Disrupted lipid metabolism
• Neonatal birth defects and death
• Disrupted immune and endocrine systems
• Various types of tumors — including breast, liver, testicular, prostate, kidney, and ovarian cancers
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Thyroid hormone disruption (hypothyroidism)
• High cholesterol
• Ulcerative colitis
• Obesity
• Low birth weight in babies
• Diminished immune response to vaccines
• Reduced hormone levels and delayed puberty

Studies reveal that every newborn baby has PFCs in their blood.

Between 2007 and 2010, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey unveiled some shocking data: 97% to 100% of adult blood samples contained at least one of the following four PFC chemicals: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA.¹

It is worth noting that there are numerous other PFC chemicals beyond the four tested for.

PFCs and cancer

Substantial, well-established evidence links PFC chemicals to cancer. A recent study examined 26 different PFC chemicals.² Researchers aimed to identify the specific mechanisms of harm associated with each chemical.

They assessed factors related to cancer growth, such as:

• Alterations in DNA
• Impacts on the immune system
• Changes in cellular communication
• Increases in inflammation

Every tested chemical displayed at least one of these characteristics, with PFOA and PFOS chemicals exhibiting all five attributes.³

Potential harm to you and your pets

Back in the 1950s, DuPont discovered that even minimal fume exposure from nonstick cookware could trigger “polymer fume fever.”

This condition is lethal to birds, a fact avian veterinarians have been aware of since 1986. DuPont has advised individuals to relocate pets from the kitchen when using Teflon pans. This ailment is known as “Teflon toxicosis” and has led to the demise of numerous birds.

At temperatures equal to or exceeding 446 degrees, Teflon coatings disintegrate and emit toxic gases that can be fatal to pet birds such as parakeets or canaries. At lower levels, these fumes are undetectable by humans but are harmful to birds, causing lung damage and rupturing blood vessels.⁴

Moreover, substitute products may not offer a better solution for various compelling reasons.

“Regrettable substitution” — the problem persists!

The chemical industry should have transitioned away from carcinogenic fluorinated chemicals altogether. Instead, they introduced so-called GenX chemicals as a replacement for PFCs.

The previous PFCs were termed “C8s” due to their eight-carbon composition. The new GenX chemicals have a shorter carbon chain with six carbons instead of eight.

DuPont commenced GenX chemical production in 2009, claiming that these new chemicals were safer. However, in 2017, it was revealed that DuPont and Chemours — a Dupont subsidiary — were discharging chemicals into water bodies (once again). They had been releasing GenX and its precursor PFC chemicals into the Cape Fear River in North Carolina since 1980.⁵

Scientists discovered a mixture of unregulated industrial chemicals, including PFCs, in the Cape Fear River, a primary water source for the Wilmington, NC region, even after the water had been treated by the local utility.⁶

Local residents were particularly alarmed by the presence of GenX in the treated drinking water of the area.

And their concerns are valid.

Studies indicate that chronic exposure to GenX and its byproducts can induce tumors in rats. These chemicals are also associated with liver, kidney, blood, and immune system toxicity. Some residents believe they are also linked to birth defects.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated GenX as having “evidence of carcinogenic potential.”⁷

How do PFCs enter our systems?

In 2009, the EPA analyzed the chemical content of 116 common PFC-treated products. The findings revealed that over 95% of PFCs in households originated from carpet and carpet treatments.

However, food also contributes significantly to high levels of both PFOA and PFOS.⁸

In fact, the EPA has identified numerous pathways through which PFCs enter our bodies, including drinking water, food and its packaging, indoor air, carpeting, furniture, clothing, cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and various other products.

Individuals with stain-proof or water-resistant apparel or furniture exhibit higher levels of PFCs.⁹ Moreover, children have elevated levels due to more frequent contact with carpeting and dust, as well as their smaller body sizes.¹⁰

Drinking water poses the highest risk

However, the most significant exposure may arise from your water source, especially if you reside near chemical plants, disposal sites, military training areas, or wastewater treatment facilities.

Even if you live in an area deemed “clean,” it is possible that these toxic chemicals have infiltrated your water. After all, they are nearly ubiquitous.

A 2016 Harvard study identified detectable PFC levels in the drinking water of 16.5 million Americans. Approximately six million individuals consume water containing PFCs at or above the EPA’s “safety threshold.”¹¹

Researchers found PFC-contaminated water supplies in 33 states. However, 75% of samples with elevated PFC levels originated from just 13 states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania

Since PFC chemicals lack taste or odor, you are unlikely to detect their presence.

Residents in the Cape Fear region of North Carolina unknowingly consumed these contaminants for years, attributing many inexplicable health issues to these chemicals.

DuPont’s Washington Works facility in the mid-Ohio Valley in West Virginia discharged contaminants for decades.

In the aforementioned survey, the average blood PFC level was four parts per billion (ppb). Blood samples from those residing in the mid-Ohio Valley exhibited a staggering 83 ppb. Individuals living closest to the plant had even higher levels, surpassing 224 ppb.

Although the EPA is pursuing more chemical companies for cleanup expenses, progress may be slow, considering their typically gradual approach.

Therefore, it is crucial to test your drinking water now to identify present contaminants and subsequently filter your water to reduce exposure.

Moreover, carefully selecting the products you introduce into your home is essential.

Replace or avoid these hazardous products

Here are some actions you can take to minimize your exposure today:

1. Test your water for chemical presence. Choose a filter capable of eliminating these contaminants.
2. Discard your nonstick cookware; opt for safer alternatives. Superior options include steel-coated copper, stainless steel, enamel-coated, and cast iron cookware. I personally use this type of cookware and, surprisingly, find it just as easy to clean.
3. Avoid fast food. Research indicates that 46% of fast-food wrappers contain per-fluorinated chemicals, making them resistant to grease.¹² Studies confirm that these chemicals transfer from packaging to food.¹³
4. Be cautious of so-called biodegradable bowls. Although marketed as eco-friendly, they often contain PFC coatings, rendering them worse than "standard" wrappers and containers. Compost should never include any product with PFCs, regardless of any claims made. Once again, home-cooked meals can circumvent this issue if you use safe cookware.
5. Avoid microwave popcorn. Microwave popcorn bags contain a lining with PFOA, which can migrate from the packaging to the oil. Opt for stovetop or air-popped popcorn instead. By the way, it tastes much better, especially with coconut oil.
6. Steer clear of items treated with stain repellents. Refrain from selecting products with such treatments when purchasing new furniture and carpeting. Avoid brands like Stainmaster, Teflon, Scotchguard, and Gore-Tex. Be aware that these are just a few of the brands containing these chemicals. In my view, almost all wall-to-wall carpeting contains an excessive amount of chemicals.
7. Avert water- and stain-repellent clothing. “Breathable” synthetic garments are typically treated with PTFE, another PFC chemical. Opt for clothing without the Gore-Tex waterproof label. However, exercise caution with all stain- or water-repellent items, irrespective of the brand.
8. Reject products treated with flame-retardant chemicals. This category includes baby items, mattresses, pillows, and cushioned furniture. Choose materials that are naturally less flammable, such as leather, cotton, and wool. You may need to order mattresses that are not flame-retardant.
9. Conduct thorough research. Greenpeace tests revealed PFC chemicals in jackets from North Face, Patagonia, Adidas, Columbia, and Jack Wolfskin... shoes from Nike, Puma, and Adidas... swimwear from Disney and Burberry... and wristbands on sports watches (including Apple watches).
10. Opt for personal care products without PTFE or “fluoro” ingredients. Oral-B dental floss, for instance, contains PTFE (Teflon). Additionally, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) discovered 13 PFC chemicals in over 200 personal care products across 28 brands, including makeup, shampoo, sunscreen, shaving cream, and anti-aging cream.

Choose products crafted from more natural ingredients.

The EWG’s Skin Deep® database can assist you in discovering safer alternatives (https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/).

It may be nearly impossible to entirely eliminate these chemicals from your life, but each small step towards reducing exposure can yield significant health benefits. Consider it a gradual process rather than an all-or-nothing approach. A 50% reduction in exposure can offer valuable health advantages.

Summary

Polyfluoroalkylated chemicals (PFCs) are durable, persistent pollutants found in a myriad of everyday products, from cookware to rugs. Despite compelling evidence linking them to cancer, immune dysfunction, thyroid disruption, and more, these "forever chemicals" remain prevalent. Newer alternatives like GenX, promoted as safer, may pose similar risks. PFCs easily contaminate food, water, air, and indoor spaces, infiltrating our bodies and lingering for extended periods. By making informed choices regarding cookware, furniture, food packaging, apparel, and personal care items, individuals can significantly mitigate their risk. Even a modest reduction in exposure can lead to substantial health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PFCs, and why are they called "forever chemicals"?
PFCs are synthetic chemicals resistant to breaking down in the environment and the human body, earning them the nickname “forever.”