The science behind ‘forever chemicals’ and why they’re bad for us – CTV
July 12, 2023
The Canadian government is looking into regulating chemicals that can harm humans and do not break down in the environment.
Known as “forever chemicals” or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) this grouping of about 4,700 compounds can be found in many everyday items, including takeout containers, makeup, firefighter foam and non-stick cookware.
The chemicals resist water and grease, making them good for consumer products but extremely difficult to break down, Amira Aker, an environmental health scientist, told CTV’s Your Morning Wednesday.
“Once (PFAS) enter our bodies, they end up binding to some proteins in our blood and get carried to organs that have a lot of blood perfusion, things like the liver and kidneys and our lungs,” Aker said.
