The belief that chemicals are constantly invading our bodies and harming our health is widespread, and many people still see it as a troubling suspicion. Yet science increasingly confirms these fears, and the picture is more alarming than once thought. Countless substances, tools, everyday items, and foods are infused with chemicals from a powerful industry. They can enter our bodies and affect well-being in ways that aren’t always obvious.
PFAS are not as familiar as their impact is dangerous. PFAS stands for perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances, often described as eternal pollutants because they persist in the environment and in the human body. The problem is not a handful of chemicals but a vast family, numbering thousands—well over 4,700 compounds. Many are marketed with limited or no prior safety testing, and the rapid pace of production complicates regulatory oversight.
These substances appear in a wide range of products, from toys and cosmetics to rainwear, non-stick cookware, pesticides, plastics, coatings, and personal care items. The sheer volume of chemicals in circulation makes it nearly impossible for regulators to monitor every new compound, and estimates suggest that tens of thousands of different substances are used in the EU, with a large share posing health risks.
In a landmark year, a report by the Environmental Working Group laid out the global scale of PFAS, highlighting that the issue extends far beyond known hotspots. In short, the problem is larger than most people imagine.
According to the study, PFAS have been detected in many parts of the European Union, with more than two thousand areas classified as hazardous to human health. Yet the danger isn’t confined to those locations. As expert Carlos de Prada notes, attention must stretch beyond heavily polluted sites because these chemicals can be found in everyday environments, in commonly used products, and can even reach people through food. The Hogar sin Tóxicos campaign, led by an expert in this field, emphasizes that everyday exposure is a key concern.
PFAS compounds can enter human blood, and the study assessed how widespread exposure is among EU residents. Among teens tested in several EU countries, some nations reported that a notable share had PFAS blood levels exceeding safety thresholds. For instance, in countries like France, rates topped 23 percent, while Sweden, Germany, Norway, and Belgium reported roughly 18 to 23 percent. Spain showed a lower figure around 1.3 percent, yet the finding remains troubling because it indicates that more than one in a hundred young people carry higher PFAS levels than considered safe. It is important to note that the analysis covered only a subset of PFAS chemicals, while many more exist.
In reality, most people carry a mix of chemicals in their blood, the study indicates, underscoring the ubiquity of exposure. But what does this mean for health? The Environmental Working Group report links exposure to multiple PFAS with developmental issues, heart disease, and various cancers. The combined effects of different PFAS mixtures are not yet fully understood, leaving room for further research and precautionary measures.
A UN assessment published recently warned that chemical contamination could cause a higher mortality burden than some infectious diseases. The report urged urgent action to curb exposure to toxic substances and to strengthen protections against harmful chemicals.
One concern raised is that regulatory approaches often tackle substances one by one, allowing industry to replace them with similar chemicals that may be just as risky. This cycle can undermine existing controls, making comprehensive reform essential.
Even substances deemed safe can later be found harmful. For example, a compound like bisphenol A, while not a PFAS, has shown how safety assumptions can shift after decades of use. Authorities have since lowered permissible concentrations dramatically, reflecting new risk assessments and evolving science.
In 2022, European authorities launched a major detoxification effort, aiming to reduce losses and open a new policy direction. A senior official described this as opening a fresh chapter for chemicals regulation. The goal is to ban hundreds or thousands of substances at once rather than addressing them individually, a strategy seen as far more effective. The proposal gained momentum after several countries submitted a joint plan to the European Chemicals Agency for assessment. Experts anticipate a lengthy process, potentially taking more than a year, but view it as a landmark step toward stronger protection against toxic chemicals.
Overall, the discussion centers on balancing technological progress with public health, recognizing that the chemical landscape evolves rapidly and safeguards must keep pace. The push for broader, more proactive bans reflects a shift toward comprehensive, systemic risk management rather than piecemeal prohibition.