![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
15-10-2022, 08:19 PM
Joanne Roberts
12 Oct 2022 06:11AM
(Updated: 12 Oct 2022 06:11AM)
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Forever chemicals are a class of chemicals collectively known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), which were first introduced in the 1940s.
Their high thermal and chemical stability, coupled with their ability to repel grease and water, make these chemicals uniquely suited for a variety of engineering and commercial uses. As such, they can be found in many consumer products, such as makeup, fire extinguishers, fast food wrapping, textiles, stain repellents and electronics.
The actual number of PFAS in circulation worldwide has yet to be defined - although according to some resources, this number is well over 4,700 chemicals.
The reason PFAS are called forever chemicals is because they persist in the environment for decades.
For example, it would take about 400 years to break down just 500mg (roughly the equivalent of a paracetamol tablet) of a type of forever chemical called perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS).
This chemical was once used as a spray-on stain repellent for textiles. The same amount of another forever chemical known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) would take 800 years to break down. This chemical was used in the manufacture of non-stick pans.
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As consumers, we can reduce the amount of forever chemicals reaching the environment (and our bodies) by trying to purchase products which are free from forever chemicals.
Before purchasing waterproof or stain resistant textiles, read the label to make sure they haven’t been treated with PFAS.
Better yet, look for products labelled as free from PFC, PFOS and PFOA. Also take care to examine items such as fast food wrapping, cosmetics and dental floss for these ingredients. If you still aren’t sure what to look out for, you can also check online using this resource (https://www.pfasfree.org.uk/current-init...e-products) which can tell you which everyday products are free from forever chemicals.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commenta...th-3001461
12 Oct 2022 06:11AM
(Updated: 12 Oct 2022 06:11AM)
......
Forever chemicals are a class of chemicals collectively known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), which were first introduced in the 1940s.
Their high thermal and chemical stability, coupled with their ability to repel grease and water, make these chemicals uniquely suited for a variety of engineering and commercial uses. As such, they can be found in many consumer products, such as makeup, fire extinguishers, fast food wrapping, textiles, stain repellents and electronics.
The actual number of PFAS in circulation worldwide has yet to be defined - although according to some resources, this number is well over 4,700 chemicals.
The reason PFAS are called forever chemicals is because they persist in the environment for decades.
For example, it would take about 400 years to break down just 500mg (roughly the equivalent of a paracetamol tablet) of a type of forever chemical called perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS).
This chemical was once used as a spray-on stain repellent for textiles. The same amount of another forever chemical known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) would take 800 years to break down. This chemical was used in the manufacture of non-stick pans.
......
As consumers, we can reduce the amount of forever chemicals reaching the environment (and our bodies) by trying to purchase products which are free from forever chemicals.
Before purchasing waterproof or stain resistant textiles, read the label to make sure they haven’t been treated with PFAS.
Better yet, look for products labelled as free from PFC, PFOS and PFOA. Also take care to examine items such as fast food wrapping, cosmetics and dental floss for these ingredients. If you still aren’t sure what to look out for, you can also check online using this resource (https://www.pfasfree.org.uk/current-init...e-products) which can tell you which everyday products are free from forever chemicals.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commenta...th-3001461
