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PFAS & Forever Chemicals: What You Need to Know


Understanding the Toxic Threat Hiding in Everyday Life


At Fight for Zero, one of the most common questions we get is: What are forever chemicals, and why are they dangerous? The answer affects your water, your health, and your community. Here's what you need to know.


What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used to make products resistant to water, grease, and stains. They’re found in:

  • Non-stick cookware (like Teflon)

  • Fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags

  • Water-resistant clothing and outdoor gear

  • Stain-resistant carpets and upholstery

  • Firefighting foam (especially used on military bases)


They're called "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down in the environment, or in the human body, for thousands of years.


Why Are PFAS Dangerous?

Even in small amounts, PFAS have been linked to serious health problems:

  • Cancers (kidney, testicular, and more)

  • Immune system suppression

  • Thyroid disease

  • Hormone disruption

  • High cholesterol

  • Pregnancy complications and low birth weight


Once in your body, PFAS accumulate over time, increasing risk with continued exposure.


How Do PFAS Get Into Our Bodies?

PFAS often enter our systems through:

  • Drinking water contaminated near industrial sites, landfills, or military bases

  • Eating food grown or packaged with PFAS materials

  • Using products that contain PFAS (cosmetics, floss, rain gear, etc.)

  • Breathing air near manufacturing or incineration sites


Over 200 million Americans are estimated to have PFAS in their tap water—many without even knowing it.


How Do You Know If You’ve Been Exposed?

You may be at risk if you:

  • Live near a military base, airport, or industrial facility

  • Use well water not routinely tested for PFAS

  • Have a private water source not regulated by the EPA

  • Are experiencing unexplained health issues like thyroid problems or frequent illness


Blood tests can detect PFAS levels, but testing is limited and not commonly available through standard healthcare providers.


Can PFAS Be Removed from Drinking Water?

Yes, but not all filters are effective. Look for:

  • NSF/ANSI-certified filters specifically tested for PFAS

  • Activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems

Boiling water does not remove PFAS.


How Can I Reduce My Exposure?

  • Avoid non-stick cookware (use stainless steel or cast iron)

  • Use PFAS-free personal care products

  • Choose filtered tap water over bottled water

  • Limit fast food and microwave popcorn

  • Check product labels for fluoro or perfluoro compounds


What Is Fight for Zero Doing About PFAS?

We are:

  • Testing water sources in impacted communities

  • Raising awareness through education and storytelling

  • Advocating for cleanup efforts and tougher regulations

  • Supporting families exposed to PFAS with resources and guidance


Our goal is zero exposure, zero illness, zero families left behind.


What Can You Do Right Now?

  • Get your water tested (contact us for community testing support)

  • Join our Community Health Registry

  • Donate to support PFAS testing and education efforts

  • Share this article to spread awareness


PFAS may be invisible, but their impact is not. Every voice, every action, and every dollar brings us closer to a safer, healthier future.


Join us in fighting for zero.



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