The Biggest Chemical Cover-Up In History Was Kept Hidden For Years

By Tom Hale | IFL Science | May 24, 2025

Read the full article by Tom Hale (IFL Science)

"Up to 99 percent of people have “forever chemicals” in their bodies, where they linger indefinitely and potentially cause a host of health conditions. Disturbingly, the manufacturers of these chemicals were aware of the risks and deliberately concealed them, following a playbook strikingly similar to that of Big Tobacco.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a synthetic group of compounds added to everyday products to boost their waterproof, non-stick, and stain-resistant properties. They are commonly found in items such as non-stick cookware, fast food packaging, certain fabrics, firefighting foam, and even components of jet engines.

Despite being less than a century old, they have become ubiquitous in the environment and the bodies of animals, including humans. This is because PFAS are incredibly persistent by design. They do not break down easily in nature or in the human body. Their chemical structure makes them resistant to heat, water, and oil, allowing them to accumulate over time in soil, water sources, wildlife, and human tissue."