What are forever chemicals and why are they a concern?
Forever chemicals are PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, a group of human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foam and food packaging. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment, making them one of the most persistent forms of pollution in the world.
These substances reach the ocean through wastewater discharge, landfill runoff, atmospheric deposition, and even from ships. Once in the marine environment, they can spread rapidly. PFAS have been found in coastal waters, deep-sea sediments, the open ocean, and even in remote places like the Arctic. Their ability to travel on ocean currents and atmospheric winds makes PFAS a truly global issue.
What are the concerns?
For people, the main concern is seafood consumption. PFAS can enter our bodies when we eat contaminated fish or shellfish, causing health concerns if they build up within the body.
Studying PFAS helps scientists understand how harmful chemicals move between land, air and sea, and what this means for biodiversity, food security and public health.
How are PFAS linked to other environmental threats?
PFAS research is closely connected to other major environmental issues like microplastics, climate change and marine toxicology.
PFAS can attach to plastic particles floating in the ocean, increasing both their spread and potential to harm wildlife. Changing ocean temperatures and currents may affect how these chemicals behave and where they end up.
Understanding these interactions is crucial for building effective policies to protect the ocean and the species, including humans, who rely on it.
How is NOC involved in PFAS research?
PFAS are a new and growing area of research at the National Oceanography Centre.
As awareness increases, so does the need for robust science to understand how PFAS behave in the marine environment, how they interact with other pollutants, and how we can mitigate their impact.
NOC is currently seeking funding to expand its work on PFAS, building on our expertise in ocean chemistry, pollution tracking, and ecosystem modelling.
This research will help shape smarter regulation, better waste management, and more informed marine conservation strategies in the face of this complex global challenge.
Learn more
Forever chemicals like PFAS are one of the emerging threats facing our oceans. Through scientific research, international collaboration and growing public awareness, we can take steps to better understand and reduce their impact.
Stay up to date with NOC’s research as we develop new tools and knowledge to tackle ocean pollution and protect marine life.