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
California’s near ban on forever chemicals, explained California lawmakers approved Senate Bill 682 in September 2025.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
California’s attempt to restrict forever chemicals in cookware unexpectedly triggered a celebrity food fight.
—Ryan Brennan
may 20, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2026
Non-toxic ceramic cookware has become the modern replacement for traditional nonstick pans, especially among shoppers worried about forever chemicals linked to older Teflon-era cookware.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
The federal rules would place drinking water safety limits on two of the forever chemicals once relied on by the carpet industry.
—Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for forever chemical
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Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
California’s attempt to restrict forever chemicals in cookware unexpectedly triggered a celebrity food fight.
—Ryan Brennan
may 20, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2026
Non-toxic ceramic cookware has become the modern replacement for traditional nonstick pans, especially among shoppers worried about forever chemicals linked to older Teflon-era cookware.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
The federal rules would place drinking water safety limits on two of the forever chemicals once relied on by the carpet industry.
—Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for forever chemical
Cite this Entry
“Forever chemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forever%20chemical. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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