World News for Students of English

13-03-2026 07:00

Forever chemicals, also called PFAS, are man-made substances used in many everyday items because they resist water, heat, and grease.

You can find them in non-stick pans, raincoats, fast-food wrappers, cosmetics, coffee cups, and even in food and water. They are called forever chemicals because they don’t break down easily and stay in the environment for a very long time.

Some studies suggest that PFAS may harm human health, affect fertility, and increase the risk of cancer. Regulators say most PFAS are safe at low levels, but the long-term effects of multiple chemicals in the body are not fully known. Courts in some countries, like Sweden, recognize high PFAS levels in the blood as a personal injury.

People can reduce exposure by checking product labels and avoiding items with these chemicals, like waterproof furniture, stain-resistant fabrics, or certain cosmetics. Understanding PFAS helps us weigh the risks and benefits of everyday products and control our chemical footprint.

Difficult words: resist (to not be affected by something), fertility (the ability to have babies), multiple (more than one), exposure (being in contact with something).

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