forever chemical
noun
plural forever chemicals
: a toxic substance and especially a synthetic chemical (as of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances group) that persists and accumulates in the environment
—not used technically
Canadian researchers have discovered high levels of a "forever chemical", used in making toilet paper, in the bodies of endangered killer whales, sparking fears the toxic substance could further harm them.—
Leyland Ceccoin
Leyland CeccoinLandfills, military bases and firefighting training centers also are thought to be sources of forever chemical pollution.—Sammy Fretwell
—often used in pluralSammy FretwellPFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are colloquially known as "forever chemicals" because they are so difficult to break down.—Layne Cameron
Layne CameronForever chemicals are used as surface treatments to block water and stains. In fact, a 2022 report by Toxic-Free Future, an environmental health research and advocacy organization, found that nearly three-quarters of products labeled as water- or stain-resistant tested positive for them.—Hannah Norman
Hannah NormanPFAS, a group of manufactured chemicals commonly used since the 1940s, are called "forever chemicals" for a reason. Bacteria can't eat them; fire can't incinerate them; and water can't dilute them.—Amanda Morris
Amanda MorrisVan Zile said many people love a Wisconsin Friday fish fry, but many fish are found with high levels of forever chemicals, such as mercury, and that we're slowly poisoning ourselves.—Frank Vaisvilas
Frank VaisvilasExamples of forever chemical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Resistant to water and oil, and impossible to break down in the environment or the body, forever chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues and immune system damage, among a myriad of other health concerns.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 July 2024
Here’s how that approach resulted in the new Targhee IV, a shoe that won’t delaminate and is free of forever chemicals.
—Outside Online, 5 Sep. 2024
New federal regulations require water utilities to reduce forever chemical levels to near zero.
—Nicole Cobler, Axios, 12 Sep. 2024
The researchers plan to continue research into the potential sleep disruptions of these forever chemicals.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2024
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Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 July 2024
Here’s how that approach resulted in the new Targhee IV, a shoe that won’t delaminate and is free of forever chemicals.
—Outside Online, 5 Sep. 2024
New federal regulations require water utilities to reduce forever chemical levels to near zero.
—Nicole Cobler, Axios, 12 Sep. 2024
The researchers plan to continue research into the potential sleep disruptions of these forever chemicals.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for forever chemical
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Cite this Entry
“Forever chemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forever%20chemical. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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