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
Even the community sources of drinking water in Black communities are more likely to be polluted with forever chemicals (PFAS) and other waste compared to those in majority White communities.
—Essence, 15 Feb. 2025
Here’s how to test for and reduce your exposure to these forever chemicals in your water.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2025
Related article Biden administration sets first national standard to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
Sewage sludge has been used by some farmers for years.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
The new policy shows that the EPA is committed to carrying out the Biden administration's goal of increasing transparency on forever chemicals, even as the White House is set to change hands in just a few weeks.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
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Essence, 15 Feb. 2025
Here’s how to test for and reduce your exposure to these forever chemicals in your water.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2025
Related article Biden administration sets first national standard to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
Sewage sludge has been used by some farmers for years.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
The new policy shows that the EPA is committed to carrying out the Biden administration's goal of increasing transparency on forever chemicals, even as the White House is set to change hands in just a few weeks.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for forever chemical
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Dictionary Entries Near forever chemical
Cite this Entry
“Forever chemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forever%20chemical. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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