PFAS: The 'Forever Chemicals' Lingering in Our Environment and What Scientists Are Doing About It

PFAS: A Legacy of Persistence and Pollution

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called "forever chemicals," have been a fixture in industrial applications since the 1940s. These synthetic compounds are prized for their ability to create nonstick, waterproof, and stain-resistant products. However, their durability comes at a cost: PFAS have infiltrated air, soil, water, and even human bodies, where they are linked to impaired immune systems, developmental delays in children, and certain cancers.

Tracking the Spread of Novel PFAS

In response to growing concerns about PFAS toxicity, researchers and industries have reformulated these chemicals into new variants. Yet, as Grace van Deelen reports in her feature "Chemical Companies Are Churning Out New PFAS. Where in the World Are They Ending Up?", the behavior of these novel PFAS remains poorly understood. Scientists are now playing "chemical Whac-A-Mole" to study their spread, from the deep ocean to alpine glaciers.

Even Antarctica, one of the most isolated regions on Earth, is not immune. Rebecca Owen’s "Tracing the Path of PFAS Across Antarctica" details how researchers have detected PFAS in the White Continent’s interior, highlighting the global reach of these pollutants.

Neutralizing PFAS: Innovative Solutions

Once identified, scientists are developing methods to disarm PFAS. Emily Gardner explores an innovative approach in "A Peculiar Polymer Paired with Sunlight Could Remove PFAS", where a unique polymer combined with solar energy shows promise in breaking down these persistent chemicals.

Another strategy involves repurposing PFAS. Saima May Sidik’s "Pollution Is Rampant. We Might As Well Make Use of It" examines how trifluoroacetic acid—a less toxic PFAS—can help estimate the recharge time of aquifers, turning a pollutant into a tool for environmental assessment.

The Future of PFAS Research

As PFAS continue to permeate ecosystems in myriad ways, scientists are leading efforts to develop proactive solutions. Their work focuses on tracking, studying, and ultimately mitigating the impact of these "forever chemicals," aiming to reduce their long-term environmental and health risks.

—Caryl-Sue Micalizio, Editor in Chief

Citation

Micalizio, C.-S. (2026), The persistence of PFAS, Eos, 107, https://doi.org/10.1029/2026EO260135. Published on 30 April 2026.

Text © 2026. AGU. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

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