Showing results for "forever chemicals"

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Tech & Science dictionary results for forever chemicals.

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

"If you look at removing forever chemicals, getting rid of microplastics, things like that, those are things traditionally, if we take 15, 20, 30 years to figure out that's a very long time," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 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

Often referred to as "forever chemicals," many of these substances do not break down easily and can build up in the environment and inside the human body.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

They are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly and can accumulate in the environment and in the human body.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2026

A French ban on the production and sale of cosmetics and most clothing containing polluting and health-threatening "forever chemicals" goes into force on Thursday.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025