The Nurse Is In: What are ‘forever chemicals’ – and why should you care?

By Beth Tremblay | The Virginian Pilot | June 27, 2026

Read the full article by Beth Tremblay (The Virginian Pilot)

"Hey neighbors! Pull up a chair, because this month we’re going to talk about something you may have heard on the news: PFAS. The name sounds like a science test you didn’t study for, but I promise — by the time you finish this column, you’ll know exactly what it means and what you can do about it. That’s what your community nurse is here for!

So, what are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (say that five times fast!). Scientists call them “forever chemicals” because once they get into the environment — or into our bodies — they break down very, very slowly. Think of them like glitter: nearly impossible to get rid of once they’re everywhere."

Location:

• North AmericaUS
• North AmericaUSVirginia

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• ChemicalsPFOA
• ChemicalsPFOS
• Affected community
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses