You may not see them, smell them, or taste them—but they’re likely in your water. “Forever chemicals,” officially known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are invisible pollutants that have infiltrated water systems across the U.S. and beyond. Once in the environment, they persist for decades—earning their nickname for their extreme resistance to natural breakdown.
While these chemicals are useful in countless consumer products, mounting scientific evidence shows that they pose serious risks to human health. From immune suppression to cancer, PFAS have been linked to a range of concerning outcomes.
At Radiant Environmental Labs, we help communities identify and respond to PFAS contamination through high-quality water testing. In this post, we’ll dive into what forever chemicals are, the health risks they pose, and what you can do to protect yourself.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that include thousands of compounds used to make products resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. You’ll find them in:
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Non-stick cookware
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Water-resistant fabrics
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Food packaging
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Firefighting foams
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Industrial processes
Because PFAS don’t break down easily, they accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms—including people.
How Do People Get Exposed?
The most common route of exposure is through contaminated drinking water. You can also absorb PFAS through:
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Eating food grown in contaminated soil
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Using consumer products that contain PFAS
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Breathing in dust from PFAS-treated furnishings or carpets
Once in your body, these chemicals stay for years.
Top Health Risks Associated with Forever Chemicals
1. Cancer
Certain PFAS are classified as “possibly carcinogenic” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Studies have found links to:
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Kidney cancer
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Testicular cancer
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Pancreatic cancer
2. Immune System Effects
PFAS can suppress the immune system, reducing vaccine effectiveness and increasing susceptibility to infections. Children are especially vulnerable.
3. Hormonal Disruption
PFAS can interfere with thyroid function and reproductive hormones, potentially leading to infertility, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
4. High Cholesterol
One of the most consistent findings in PFAS studies is elevated cholesterol levels—even at relatively low exposure.
5. Liver and Kidney Damage
PFAS are metabolized through the liver and kidneys, and high levels have been associated with liver enzyme changes and reduced kidney function.
Who Is Most at Risk?
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Pregnant women and developing babies
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Children and teens with developing immune systems
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People living near industrial facilities or military bases
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Communities with private wells not subject to EPA monitoring
Why Water Testing Matters
Identifying PFAS in your water is the first step toward reducing exposure. Radiant Environmental Labs offers detailed PFAS testing for drinking water, surface water, groundwater, and wastewater. Our reports are clear, actionable, and science-backed.
Forever chemicals may be invisible, but their health risks are very real. Proactive water testing can help you stay informed and make smart decisions for your health. Trust Radiant Environmental Labs to guide you with expert testing and reliable results.