You’ve probably heard the term “forever chemicals” in the news or scrolling through social media, but what are they, really? Why are experts talking about them, and should you be concerned?
In this guide, our water filtration experts at One Green Filter explain what PFAS are, where they’re found, and what they could mean for you and your family.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
Also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), forever chemicals are a group of man-made compounds that have been in use since the 1940s. They are created by combining carbon and fluorine atoms, forming one of the strongest chemical bonds in chemistry. Because this bond is so difficult to break down, PFAS can persist in the environment and even accumulate in people and animals for years, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Their durability also makes them useful in countless consumer and industrial products. PFAS are commonly added to items for their water, grease, and stain-resistant properties, including food packaging, nonstick cookware, clothing, carpeting, and many other everyday products.
Unfortunately, they’re nearly impossible to avoid, and manufacturers are not always required to disclose when PFAS are used in their products.
What Does This Mean for Your Health?
Today, scientists have identified thousands of different PFAS compounds in the environment, and research continues to uncover their potential health risks. Even low levels of exposure over time have been linked to serious health concerns, including kidney, testicular, and liver cancers. PFAS have also been associated with weakened immune function, which may reduce the body’s response to certain vaccines.
Exposure may also pose reproductive and developmental risks. Studies have linked PFAS to fertility challenges, abnormal fetal development, low birth weight, and earlier onset of puberty, among other potential health effects. While researchers are still learning about the full impact of these chemicals, the growing body of evidence has raised significant public health concerns.
PFAS in Drinking Water
According to a 2025 report by Yale University, approximately 90% of drinking water samples in the United States contain detectable levels of PFAS. One of the primary sources of this contamination is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam developed for military use in the 1960s. Because AFFF contains high concentrations of certain PFAS compounds, decades of use at military bases, airports, and firefighter training facilities have allowed these chemicals to seep into soil and groundwater.
For residents of the Tampa Bay area, PFAS contamination has become an increasing concern. Florida has identified PFAS at numerous sites across the state, including military installations, airports, and industrial facilities. Since many communities rely on groundwater or surface water sources that can be impacted by these chemicals, local water utilities have increased testing and monitoring as new federal drinking water standards are implemented.
While contamination levels vary by location and many utilities meet current safety requirements, the presence of these persistent chemicals has led many homeowners to seek additional protection through certified home water filtration systems.
How Water Filtration Helps
While PFAS exposure can’t be avoided entirely, reducing it can start with something as simple as improving your drinking water.
Activated carbon filters, such as those found in pitcher filters, under-sink systems, and whole-home filtration units, can reduce many PFAS compounds. For even greater protection, reverse osmosis systems are considered one of the most effective filtration methods, removing a wider range of contaminants from your water.
If you receive water from a public utility, you can review your annual water quality report or contact your provider to learn about PFAS testing in your area. If your home relies on a private well, regular testing is the best way to know what’s in your water.
While no single solution can eliminate PFAS exposure, improving your home’s water quality is one of the most effective ways to reduce it. At One Green Filter, we offer free water testing and can help you choose the right filtration system for your home, giving you greater confidence in every glass of water.
Cleaner Water Starts Here
Forever chemicals are a growing concern but understanding them is the first step toward protecting your home and family. Investing in the right water filtration system can help reduce your exposure and give you greater confidence in the water you drink every day.
If you’re curious about your home’s water quality, reach out to our Tampa Bay team at One Green Filter to schedule your free water test!
