5 ways to reduce everyday exposure to 'forever chemicals'

By Mara Hoplamazian | NPR | June 2, 2026

Read the full article by Mara Hoplamazian (NPR)

"Forever chemicals" are everywhere — in our drinking water, in our food and in products like nonstick frying pans, raincoats and even some types of floss.

Also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or "PFAS," these chemicals have been linked to negative health outcomes, including certain cancers.

PFAS are strong and can repel both water and oil, which is why they're widely used in manufacturing. But they don't break down easily in the environment, and they can linger in our bodies. In fact, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, nearly everyone in the United States has PFAS in their blood."