“Forever chemicals,” a term for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of over 9,000 man-made compounds first developed in the 1940s. Their resistance to heat, oil, stains, and water led to their use in countless consumer products, including:
- Non-stick cookware
- Water-repellent clothing
- Stain-resistant fabrics
- Some food packaging
Exposure is widespread, primarily through contaminated food and drinking water. This prevalence raises a fundamental question: once these chemicals enter our bodies, can they ever truly leave?
The Persistence of Forever Chemicals in the Body
The name “forever chemicals” is rooted in their chemical structure. PFAS molecules are characterized by a chain of carbon atoms bonded to fluorine atoms. This carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, making these compounds highly resistant to breaking down in the environment and within the human body.
This chemical stability leads to a process known as bioaccumulation. Once ingested, PFAS travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in various tissues. Unlike many other substances that are quickly filtered by the kidneys and excreted, PFAS can bind to proteins in the blood, which prevents them from being easily removed from circulation.
Consequently, these chemicals build up in organs that are rich in blood, particularly the liver and kidneys. This accumulation happens because the rate of intake from continuous exposure surpasses the body’s extremely slow rate of elimination.
Natural Elimination Pathways
The body can eliminate PFAS, but the process is extremely slow and inefficient. This removal rate is measured by biological half-life: the time it takes for a substance’s concentration in the body to be reduced by half. For the most studied long-chain PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, the half-life can be several years.
The primary, albeit slow, pathway for natural elimination is through urine. The kidneys filter blood, and a small amount of PFAS can be passed into the urine. However, transport molecules in the kidneys can reabsorb long-chain PFAS back into the body, which limits their excretion. Short-chain PFAS, with smaller molecules, are excreted more readily, having half-lives of only days to weeks.
Trace amounts of PFAS can be excreted through feces. For women, menstruation provides a route for a small amount of elimination from the blood. These chemicals can also be transferred from a mother to a child through breast milk.
Strategies to Reduce Your Body’s Chemical Load
The most effective strategy for lowering your body’s chemical burden is to minimize new exposure. Since contaminated drinking water is a primary source of PFAS, using a certified water filter is a direct intervention. Filtration systems like reverse osmosis or some activated carbon filters are specifically designed to remove these compounds from tap water. Everyday choices in the kitchen, such as opting for stainless steel or cast-iron cookware instead of non-stick varieties, can also reduce exposure.
This includes avoiding stain-resistant treatments on carpets and upholstery and checking labels on personal care products and cosmetics. Some food packaging, particularly for greasy foods, may also contain PFAS to prevent oil from soaking through. Reducing contact with these sources limits the amount of new chemicals entering your body, allowing its slow, natural elimination processes to gradually lower your internal concentration over time.
For those looking to enhance the excretion of PFAS already in the body, some medical interventions have shown promise. Studies show that regular blood or plasma donation can significantly reduce the levels of long-chain PFAS in the blood, as these chemicals are bound to blood proteins and are removed with the donation. While a high-fiber diet is often suggested for general detoxification, its specific effectiveness for PFAS removal is not as well-established.
Health Implications of PFAS Accumulation
The gradual buildup of PFAS in the body is linked to a range of health concerns. Because they persist for so long, even low levels of continuous exposure can lead to concentrations that may become harmful. The presence of these chemicals can interfere with the body’s natural functions.
One area of concern is the immune system. Elevated PFAS levels have been associated with a reduced response to vaccines and an increased susceptibility to infections. The chemicals also act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems. This disruption can affect everything from metabolism and mood to reproduction.
Research has also connected PFAS exposure to increased cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease. The liver, being a primary site of accumulation, can also be affected, with studies indicating a potential for liver damage. Furthermore, regulatory bodies have recognized that certain PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, may increase the risk for specific types of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancers.