Potentially toxic chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in surface and groundwaters around the world at levels much higher than many international regulators allow, a new study found. Called “forever chemicals” because they fail to break down fully in the environment, PFAS have been used since the 1950s to make consumer products non-stick, oil- and water-repellent and resistant to temperature change.
Toxic ‘forever’ chemicals found in excessive levels in global groundwater, study says
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