Scientists are concerned about a group of human-made chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that are found in many everyday products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging. These chemicals don’t break down in nature—earning them the nickname “forever chemicals”—and they’re building up in our environment and bodies. A new review of research shows that PFAS exposure may cause health problems including liver damage, thyroid issues, weakened immunity, and reproductive concerns in both humans and animals. Even though some of the most harmful PFAS have been phased out, companies are replacing them with similar chemicals that scientists worry might cause similar problems. Experts say we need better global coordination to understand and manage these chemicals.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How PFAS chemicals affect human health, animal health, and the environment, and why these chemicals are so difficult to manage
  • Who participated: This is a review article that analyzed existing research rather than conducting a new study with participants. Scientists examined hundreds of studies about PFAS exposure in humans, wildlife, and ecosystems
  • Key finding: PFAS chemicals are widespread in our environment and bodies, and exposure appears to be linked to multiple health problems including liver damage, thyroid disease, weakened immune systems, and reproductive issues. Even newer replacement chemicals may pose similar risks
  • What it means for you: You may already have PFAS in your body from everyday products and food. While the health risks are still being studied, reducing exposure where possible—like choosing PFAS-free cookware and food containers—may be a reasonable precaution. This is an emerging area of science, so recommendations may change as we learn more

The Research Details

This is a review article, which means scientists didn’t conduct a new experiment. Instead, they carefully examined and summarized findings from many existing studies about PFAS chemicals. They used a “One Health” approach, which means they looked at how these chemicals affect humans, animals, and the environment as connected systems rather than studying each separately.

The researchers gathered information about where PFAS chemicals come from (industrial uses, consumer products), how they spread through water, soil, and air, and what health effects have been documented. They also examined why some PFAS chemicals are being replaced with others and whether those replacements are actually safer.

This type of review is valuable because it brings together knowledge from many different studies to show the bigger picture. However, it doesn’t provide new experimental data—it synthesizes what we already know from other research.

Review articles like this are important because they help scientists and policymakers understand complex problems that affect many areas at once. PFAS chemicals are found everywhere—in water, soil, wildlife, and human bodies—so understanding their full impact requires looking at research from environmental science, toxicology, medicine, and ecology all together. This comprehensive approach helps identify gaps in our knowledge and shows where more research is needed

This review was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts checked the work before publication. The authors examined the interconnected nature of PFAS contamination rather than looking at isolated pieces. However, as a review article, it summarizes existing research rather than providing new experimental evidence. The strength of conclusions depends on the quality of the studies being reviewed. Some areas still have limited research, which the authors acknowledge

What the Results Show

PFAS chemicals are found in a wide range of consumer and industrial products including non-stick cookware, water-resistant textiles, food packaging, and firefighting foams. Once released into the environment, these chemicals persist indefinitely—they don’t break down naturally, which is why they’re called “forever chemicals.”

These chemicals spread through multiple pathways: they contaminate water supplies, accumulate in soil, and enter the food chain. Fish and other wildlife in contaminated areas show high levels of PFAS. Because these chemicals don’t break down, they build up over time in animals’ bodies and become more concentrated as they move up the food chain—a process called biomagnification. Humans are exposed primarily through contaminated drinking water and food.

Research suggests that PFAS exposure is associated with several health problems in both humans and animals, including liver damage, thyroid disease, weakened immune function, reproductive problems, and increased cancer risk. Different PFAS chemicals may affect the body in different ways, but many share similar harmful properties.

While regulations have phased out some of the most studied PFAS chemicals (like PFOS and PFOA), manufacturers have replaced them with shorter-chain PFAS compounds. Early evidence suggests these replacements may also pose health risks, though they haven’t been studied as thoroughly

The review highlights that PFAS contamination is a global problem—these chemicals have been detected in remote areas far from where they were used, showing how widely they’ve spread through air and water. Wildlife in pristine environments shows PFAS contamination, indicating the chemicals travel long distances. The review also notes that different populations may have different exposure levels based on their diet, occupation, and location. People living near manufacturing facilities or contaminated water sources typically have higher PFAS levels in their bodies

This review builds on decades of research showing that PFAS are persistent environmental contaminants. Previous studies established that PFOS and PFOA—the most widely used PFAS chemicals—accumulate in human blood and are linked to health effects. This review adds to that knowledge by examining the broader picture of PFAS as a chemical class and noting that replacement chemicals may present similar problems. It also emphasizes the need for a coordinated global approach, recognizing that previous efforts to regulate individual PFAS chemicals haven’t fully solved the problem

As a review article, this study doesn’t provide new experimental data. The conclusions depend on the quality and completeness of existing research. Some PFAS chemicals have been studied extensively while others have received little attention. The health effects of many newer replacement chemicals are not yet well understood because they haven’t been in use long enough. Additionally, it’s difficult to study PFAS effects in humans because people are exposed to multiple chemicals simultaneously, making it hard to isolate which chemical causes which effect. The review also notes that regulatory and research efforts vary significantly between countries, creating gaps in global knowledge

The Bottom Line

Based on current evidence, experts suggest taking practical steps to reduce PFAS exposure where feasible: choose cookware without non-stick coatings or use PFAS-free alternatives, select food packaging labeled as PFAS-free when possible, and filter drinking water if you live in an area with known PFAS contamination. However, complete avoidance is difficult since PFAS are widespread. These recommendations have moderate confidence because the health risks are still being studied, and we don’t yet know safe exposure levels. More research is needed to establish clear guidelines

Everyone should be aware of PFAS since these chemicals are widespread, but certain groups may want to take extra precautions: pregnant women and young children (whose developing bodies may be more vulnerable), people living near manufacturing facilities or military bases (where PFAS contamination is often higher), and people with existing liver or thyroid problems. However, the general public should also be aware because PFAS exposure is common. People shouldn’t panic—the presence of PFAS in your body doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop health problems, but reducing unnecessary exposure is a reasonable precaution

PFAS chemicals accumulate in your body over time, so reducing exposure now may help prevent buildup in the future. However, if you already have PFAS in your system, it takes years for levels to decrease because these chemicals are eliminated very slowly from the body. You won’t notice immediate health changes from reducing exposure, but long-term reduction may help prevent future health problems. This is a long-term health consideration rather than something with quick results

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your PFAS exposure sources weekly: log the non-stick cookware you use, packaged foods consumed, water source (filtered vs. unfiltered), and any new products with water-resistant or stain-resistant treatments. This helps identify your main exposure pathways
  • Set a goal to replace one PFAS-containing product per month with a PFAS-free alternative. Start with the item you use most frequently (like cookware or food storage containers). Use the app to track which products you’ve replaced and set reminders for your next replacement
  • Create a monthly checklist of PFAS-reduction actions: drinking filtered water, choosing PFAS-free food containers, avoiding non-stick cookware, and checking product labels. Track completion rates to maintain awareness and consistency. Set quarterly reviews to assess which changes feel sustainable and which need adjustment

This article summarizes a scientific review of PFAS research and is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. PFAS exposure and health effects are still being studied, and our understanding continues to evolve. If you have specific health concerns about PFAS exposure or existing health conditions, consult with your healthcare provider. If you believe your water supply is contaminated with PFAS, contact your local health department or water utility. This information should not replace professional medical or environmental guidance.