Research estimates that 200 million people in the U.S. rely on tap water contaminated with PFAS, or forever chemicals. This class of chemicals includes more than 9,000 potentially hazardous synthetic compounds linked to cancer and endocrine disruption—and they have become ubiquitous, lurking in everything from non-stick pans to plastic food containers and even beer.
PFAS have earned the nickname forever chemicals because of their resistance to breaking down—both in the environment and the human body. With greater exposure, these chemicals bioaccumulate, leading to higher concentrations in our bodies, soil, and water. While there aren’t many interventions to reduce PFAS in the body, scientists in Canada may have unearthed a potential breakthrough.
