Boycott ‘Forever Chemicals’ (to help clean rivers)
‘Forever chemicals’ are used in many items from cooking pans to raincoats, and stick around for years in the environment and our bodies.
Factories that use them release waste into rivers, which affects drinking water and aquatic life, and people living nearby often have them in their bodies (especially if they eat fish containing them).
They are also linked to some cancers, thyroid problems, low birth weight, weak immune systems and cholesterol changes, and pregnant women are especially at risk. Once they enter the body, they can stay there for years, building up in the liver and kidneys.
Ways to Avoid Forever Chemicals
You can’t avoid them entirely, but good choices include:
- Choosing cookware that’s free from PFA chemicals (these are not bird-friendly as sometimes said, though likely pet birds are happier in aviaries, not in cages (which should not be in kitchens as birds are harmed by fumes).
- For baking, choose If You Care parchment paper and cupcake cases (if you’re not using silicone reusable items) as these (and their sandwich and non-stick roasting bags) are free from PFAs.
- Make your own pizza, as many food boxes contain them (as do popcorn boxes).
- Look for raincoats and outdoor gear that’s not treated with PFAs. Eco Outfitters sell organic cotton uniforms that aren’t coated with Teflon (launder synthetic fabrics in a microfiber filter).
- Green Oil is a brand of bike care products free from PFAs.
- Switch to organic farming and cleaning, to avoid putting communities at risk.
Eco-Friendly Fire Extinguishers?
Some fire-fighting foams use PFAs to smother flames. Obviously putting out fires is more important in the moment, but the chemicals can soak to the ground and wash into rivers. And of course, they pose a risk to firefighters, who use them on a regular basis (cancer is a leading cause of death).
Greenfire Firefighting Foam is the world’s first PFAS-free alternative which can be used with the same equipment and is trusted by many fire departments, and successfully tested by (US) government. It requires approval for use in fixed systems and is suitable for fire engines, foam tenders, compressed air foam systems and fire sprinklers.
Take the PFA-Free Bead Test
PFAs Free has a Bead Test that you can do yourself, to see if the packaging you bought contains forever chemicals (if so, then don’t buy again and write to companies, explaining why).
Use a pencil to dip into an eggcup with a little olive oil, then drop a few drops of oil onto the packaging. If the oil soaks through or spreads, there is no PFAs. If the oil remains on top ‘beading’, then it has forever chemicals. Use their email template to write the company concerned.
PFAS are Now Absolutely Everywhere
The small Yorkshire market town of Bentham (set on the banks of River Wenning) has recently been found to be the town in the UK with the highest concentration of forever chemicals. Not surprising when we learn that a local factory here has been producing fire-fighting foams since the 70s.
High levels of PFAs have now been found in the Brazilian rainforest, showing these chemicals are travelling at an alarming rate, even to places that don’t use them. Sea spray has also caused PFAs to even travel as far as Antarctica.
There is not enough regulation. The EU is presently considering restricting thousands of PFAs, but of course there are huge vested interests, often from some of the world’s biggest companies.
That often have a lot of political power, by paying lobbyists to influence policy. The Rivers Trust want a complete ban on nearly all PFAs, with much stricter regulation on the few that would likely remain.
How forever chemicals end up in rivers
PFAS stands for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. That’s a long name for a large family of man-made chemicals. They share a key feature: they resist breaking down. Heat, sunlight, and normal bacteria don’t deal with them well, so they can persist for years.
Because PFAS move easily in water, they don’t stay put. Small amounts can spread from homes, streets, and workplaces into drains and streams, then into rivers. Over time, that adds up.
Researchers have linked some PFAS to health concerns, such as effects on cholesterol, thyroid function, and immune response. Studies also link PFAS to impacts on wildlife, including growth and reproduction in some species. That doesn’t mean every exposure leads to harm, but it does mean reducing releases makes sense, especially when rivers serve as shared water sources.
The main routes into waterways
First, industrial discharge and leaks. Some factories use PFAS in processes or coatings. If controls fail, or if waste handling is poor, PFAS can enter local drains and watercourses.
Second, firefighting foams. Older foams used at airports, fuel depots, and training sites often contained PFAS. Spills, practice runs, and storage leaks can leave long-lasting contamination that slowly moves into groundwater and nearby rivers.
Third, wastewater and sewage sludge. Homes and businesses send PFAS down sinks and drains through washing, cleaning, and normal product use. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to fully remove PFAS, so some can pass through into rivers. PFAS can also concentrate in sewage sludge, which creates problems if it’s spread on land.
Stormwater runoff and landfill leachate can add to the mix, especially after heavy rain.
Words to look for, and safer options
- PTFE (a fluorinated non-stick coating). Instead choose stainless steel, cast iron or enamel
- PFOA-free means only one is exluded (look for clear PFAS-free statements)
- Perfluoro/polyfluoro (avoid when possible)
- ‘Waterproof or stain-proof finish’ (choose untreated fabrics)
- Also be careful with make-up that’s ’24-hour wear or waterproof’.
High-impact swaps at home
- Choose fresh or unpackaged food
- Reduce takeaway in greaseproof boxes
- Store leftovers in reusable containers
- Skip stain-proofing sprays for shoes and sofas
- Pick untreated fabrics for uniforms and outdoor clothing
Also, treat old non-stick pans with care. Don’t burn them, and don’t sand or scrape the coating hard. Check local council advice for disposal and recycling, because rules vary.
Simple actions that amplify your impact
- Write to your local councillors and MP asking for PFAS testing and public reporting in local rivers and drinking water.
- Support a local river trust or clean-up group, even with a small monthly donation.
- Ask supermarkets and takeaway chains what they use for greaseproof packaging, and whether they offer PFAS-free options.
- Choose businesses that publish clear chemical policies for textiles, cosmetics, or food packaging.
- Attend a local water meeting if one is open to residents, and ask one question.
Here’s a message you can copy and adjust:
Hello, I’m a local resident. Please confirm whether our local rivers and drinking water are tested for PFAS, how often tests happen, and where results are published. I’d also like to know what steps you’re taking to reduce PFAS entering waterways, including controls on industrial discharges and waste handling. Thank you.
What better solutions look like
- Better solutions start with regular monitoring. If we don’t measure PFAS in rivers and treated drinking water, we can’t track progress. Public results also build trust, because people can see trends over time.
- Next comes clear limits and enforcement for discharges. Prevention usually beats clean-up on cost and speed. Treatment upgrades can help in some places, but they can be expensive and they still need somewhere safe to put captured waste.
- Finally, waste handling matters. Sewage sludge and other contaminated materials need careful rules, because moving PFAS from water to land can shift the problem instead of solving it.
