'Forever Chemicals' found in 98.8% of human blood samples tested

By David Nield | Science Alert | May 13, 2026

Read the full article by David Nield (Science Alert)

"The 'forever chemicals' previously linked to multiple health harms really are everywhere: They've now been detected in 98.8 percent of 10,566 blood samples tested in a new US study.

Technically, forever chemicals are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and there are more than 15,000 known to toxicologists. The 'forever' nickname refers to their resistance to breaking down and their persistence in the environment.

Used extensively in a wide variety of manufacturing processes for decades, these chemicals have found their way into our food, our water supplies, and the planet's ecological systems."