forever chemicals

American  

[fawr-ev-er kem-i-kuhlz, fer-] / fɔrˈɛv ər ˌkɛm ɪ kəlz, fər- /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of forever chemicals

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

Example Sentences

But there is growing concern about the long-term environmental and health impacts of some of these "forever chemicals" - so called because they persist and accumulate across ecosystems.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

The Texas attorney general is investigating Lululemon Athletica for allegedly using so-called forever chemicals in its workout gear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Babies born between 2003 and 2006 encountered far more "forever chemicals" in the womb than researchers once recognized, according to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2026

The analysis also found that 64 percent of samples contained at least one per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance, also known as "forever chemicals", which are found throughout the environment and everyday products.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

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

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025