Reducing Exposure to Forever Chemicals

Summary: Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in several kinds of consumer products across the globe for over 70 years. Named forever chemicals because of their extreme resistance to breaking down, exposure to them can also lead to an array of serious health problems. As employees in some industries are at a higher risk for forever chemicals exposure, find out what employers can do to help reduce the impact on their workforce.

What Are Forever Chemicals?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are known as “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to breaking down over time. These artificially produced chemicals were created in 1946 when DuPont introduced nonstick cookware coated with a substance called Teflon. Since then, thousands of other nonstick, stain-repellent and waterproof compounds have been created and added to products like food packaging, clothing, personal care products, carpets and rugs, medical equipment, firefighting foam and firefighters’ PPE, and much more.

These PFAS are extremely persistent and can last for thousands of years. And, every person tested in the United States has been found to have PFAS in their bloodstream. This fact is concerning because even small amounts of PFAS in the body can lead to severe health problems, such as increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, asthma and even cancer.

How Are We Exposed to Forever Chemicals?

Exposure to forever chemicals occurs in three common ways:

1. By consuming contaminated drinking water. In some areas, especially those around military bases, firefighting training centers and airports, the main source of PFAS exposure is due to contaminated drinking water. The firefighting foam often used during training exercises or to put out fuel-driven fires in these areas can seep into the ground and contaminate the water. Or, landfills are known to also leak forever chemicals into the earth or surrounding rivers from the discarded products containing them.
2. Eating contaminated food. Food can end up contaminated with PFAS from using nonstick cookware or from being stored in certain containers. Pizza boxes and paper takeout containers often contain forever chemicals, which are then transferred to the food being stored in them.
3. Contact through fabrics. Clothing, furniture and carpet may contain PFAS when they are made to be waterproof or stain-resistant and can be transferred when contact with skin occurs.

Workplace Safety and Forever Chemicals: How to Reduce Employee Exposure

While anyone can be exposed to forever chemicals, workers in some industries may be at a higher risk for exposure. Some occupations and the work tasks involved can impact the specific PFAS types they’re exposed to and how much exposure can occur. According to the CDC, chemical manufacturing workers, firefighters and ski wax technicians are three of the top occupations at risk for PFAS exposure. Additional at-risk occupations include those in the auto, construction, and cleaning industries, where workers may be unknowingly exposed to forever chemicals without adequate regulations to protect them.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting research to study the immune response and evaluate workers’ health when exposed to higher levels of forever chemicals. These studies aim to better understand how exposures occur, the potential impact on health, and what interventions and measures can be taken to help reduce risk.



Employers should take certain steps to help reduce the impact exposure to forever chemicals can have on their workforce. These steps include the following:

Assess the risk of exposure to forever chemicals

Employers should understand how to assess their workplace to identify where possible exposure to PFAS might be higher. This assessment will help them determine the risks their employees could be facing. Then, regularly monitor the workplace to ensure that exposure levels remain within safe limits. Ongoing monitoring will also help ensure emerging sources of exposure are identified as soon as possible to help lower the risk.

Provide ongoing education to increase awareness

Workers may not even know the danger exposure to forever chemicals may pose to their health. Ensure employees understand the risks, including how exposure could affect their overall health and wellness and how they can lower their risk. All employees should know what products they come into contact with contain PFAS and if any of their water supply could be contaminated.

Implement controls to minimize exposure

Engineering controls such as installing ventilation systems and providing workers with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can help minimize employee exposure to forever chemicals in the workplace. Whenever possible, use substitute hazardous forever chemicals with safer alternatives.

Offer medical monitoring and testing

If any employees are known to have been exposed to PFAS, employers should provide medical monitoring and ongoing testing to help detect any potential negative health effects.

Keep accurate records and stay informed

Employers should work to maintain updated records that include employee exposure levels, workplace assessments and what is being done to help ensure all workers are protected. Additionally, stay ahead of developments in the regulations of forever chemicals. Should policies and procedures need to be adjusted to help reduce workplace exposure, adjust policies and procedures accordingly.

Reduce Risk with Loss Control Services from AmTrust Financial

The Loss Control Department at AmTrust can help your organization assess the specific hazards your workforce may face. We specialize in risk management solutions that help prevent injuries and improve employee safety. From safety resources like streaming training videos to a library of helpful industry information, For more information about our loss control services, please contact us today.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or business advice. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors. Coverages may vary by location. Contact your local RSM for more information.