Member-only story
“Forever Chemicals” Are a Hazard to Our Physical and Mental Health
When we accepted the chemical company’s slogan of “Better things for better living through chemistry,” we failed to see any downside, and it’s here.
Not many of us are chemists on the level of those working in chemical companies where new ones are created for specific purposes. But we need specialized chemists to help us in our daily struggles with health and for a variety of tasks in our environment. Are all chemical concoctions safe? The question is being asked with more urgency now that we are beginning to see effects we never realized from products we use in our homes, our offices, gardens, and farms.
The term “forever chemicals” refers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are man-made chemicals with long-lasting durability and are now widely used in a variety of products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, cleaning products, and food packaging materials. Although they have been in use for years, their toxicity and long-term nature have recently raised concerns among environmentalists, prompting them to call for stronger laws and greater awareness.
Science has recently revealed that PFAS, which have long been investigated and debated for their physical consequences, may also have long-term negative effects on our mental health. The effects of…
