Animals full of PFAS 'forever chemicals' have been found on every continent except Antarctica, new report finds

By Morgan McFall-Johnsen | Insider | February 22, 2023

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"Animals are contaminated with hazardous forever chemicals on every continent except Antarctica, according to a new report.

Creatures ranging from tigers and polar bears, to red pandas and voles, to plankton in the sea, are likely accumulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by eating fish, drinking water, or simply breathing air, and it could put them at risk.

PFAS can be found in tons of manufactured goods, from food packaging and clothing, to firefighting foam and (formerly) Teflon pans.

Though they're useful for resisting water, heat, and stains, PFAS do not break down in the environment, earning them the "forever chemicals" nickname."