Why in news?
Environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the EPA's approval of a new PFAS-based pesticide, citing health and environmental dangers. France implemented a ban on these chemicals effective early 2026, though medical uses remain exempt.
About Forever Chemicals
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Forever Chemicals also called PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) large group of man-made chemicals with strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them extremely resistant to heat, water, and oil.
- Persistence: They don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body, hence the nickname “forever chemicals.”
- History: First developed in the late 1930s; Teflon (non-stick coating) was one of the earliest uses.
Uses
- Consumer Products: Non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, carpets, cosmetics, shampoos, wall paints, and mobile phone screens.
- Industrial Uses: Firefighting foam, electrical insulation, adhesives, and food packaging.
- Daily Exposure: They can leach into soil, water, and food, eventually entering the human body.
Health Risks
- Cancer: Linked to kidney and testicular cancers.
- Liver Toxicity: Can impair liver function.
- Reproductive Issues: Associated with reduced fertility and developmental problems.
- Immune System Effects: May weaken immune response and reduce vaccine effectiveness.
Environmental Impact
- Water Contamination: PFAS are found in drinking water supplies worldwide.
- Bioaccumulation: They build up in fish, wildlife, and humans.
- Soil Movement: PFAS migrate through soil, contaminating groundwater.
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