forever chemicals

[fawr-ev-er kem-i-kuhlz, fer-]

plural noun

1. long-lasting chemicals, including PFAS and hydrofluorocarbons, used in the manufacture of common household items such as refrigerators, nonstick cookware, and flame-resistant furniture, that remain in the environment because they break down very slowly, and subsequently accumulate within animals and people.

Word History and Origins

Origin of forever chemicals¹

Coined by U.S. academic and public health expert Joseph G. Allen in an opinion piece in The Washington Post (2018)

Example Sentences

The forever chemicals in my blood would "most likely" have an impact on my health, she told me.

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Researchers are studying whether Covid-19 infections might accelerate autoimmunity, and whether chronic stress, certain prescription drugs or long-term exposure to “forever chemicals” in water and packaging might contribute.

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Water companies have been ordered to tackle potentially harmful levels of so-called forever chemicals in drinking water sources for more than six million people, the BBC can reveal.

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She cleared her home of so-called forever chemicals, which studies have found can interfere with hormones.

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A good fit for: Style-conscious cooks who are concerned about “forever chemicals.”

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