**New Concerns Emerge Over ‘Forever Chemicals’ and Cancer in Young People**
Chemicals long used in everyday items have recently come under increased scrutiny, with new findings suggesting a potential link between these substances and cancer among younger generations. Experts are particularly concerned about so-called ‘forever chemicals’, a term used to describe a broad range of man-made compounds known scientifically as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
These compounds, which were first developed in the 1940s, are prized for their resistance to heat, water, grease, and stains. As a result, PFAS have found their way into an array of consumer goods, from non-stick kitchenware and food packaging to stain-resistant textiles and some types of personal care products. While their convenience has been celebrated for decades, their impact on human health and the environment is now under intense global scrutiny.
A recent evaluation by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assessed the possible carcinogenic properties of two specific PFAS. Although the substances in question are no longer in production or use in the UK, concerns persist due to their persistence in the natural environment and within human bodies. PFAS are notorious for their inability to break down, leading them to accumulate over time in soil, waterways, and living organisms.
Following its research, IARC concluded that there is sufficient evidence to label one chemical—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—as carcinogenic to humans. This classification did not rely solely on evidence of increased cancer rates in people, but also incorporated laboratory studies on animals and data showing that PFOA can trigger biological changes associated with cancer. The findings highlight how even chemicals phased out of industrial and domestic use can continue to pose risks decades later.
The complexity of cancer development, however, means that chemical exposure is rarely the only factor involved. Other contributors, such as genetics, lifestyle behaviours, and broader environmental exposures—including microplastics and air pollution—may also play crucial roles. Especially with cancers showing up earlier in life, like colorectal cancer in younger adults, scientists caution that it is often impossible to pin down a single cause.
Children are thought to be at particular risk due to the range of exposure pathways. PFAS can enter the body through drinking water, contaminated food, household dust, or direct skin contact with everyday objects. Because these chemicals are so difficult for the body to eliminate, even relatively minor, repeated exposures carried out over months or years can accumulate.
Health advocates advise a cautious approach in the absence of definitive answers. Steps to reduce PFAS exposure include opting for alternative products to non-stick or stain-resistant items when possible, and using water filters certified to remove PFAS in regions where contamination has been identified. While new regulations have outlawed the use of substances such as PFOA and PFOS in the UK, their legacy remains—these chemicals still linger in the environment, and their long-term effects remain uncertain.
Cancer Research UK notes that, prior to new rules imposed in the 2000s, PFAS chemicals were widespread in manufacturing, firefighting foams, packing materials, and even household carpets. Although production has ceased, their resilience likely means residual contamination is still present in various settings.
Given the persistent nature of these chemicals, experts believe that individual efforts, while helpful, cannot eliminate risk entirely. They urge ongoing governmental monitoring and research to better understand the continued impact of PFAS and to develop more comprehensive strategies to reduce exposure in the future.
This mounting evidence fuels debate about the safety of synthetic chemicals and the long-term consequences of widespread industrial use. For now, awareness and precautionary measures are key as researchers worldwide continue to piece together the larger puzzle of what may be driving rising cancer rates in the younger population.