Forever Chemicals: The Never-Ending Stain Party Since the 1940s
Since the 1940s, manufacturers have been sneakily sprinkling 'forever chemicals' into everything from nonstick pans to food packaging and water-repellent clothing—turning your kitchen and wardrobe into a chemical time capsule. These stubborn substances resist water, stains, and even heat, basically the clingy ex of the chemical world, refusing to leave once you meet them. Environmental journalist Justine Calma, who lovingly haunts your inbox every 8AM ET via The Stepback newsletter, delves deep into the toxic saga that’s been quietly building up as a 75-year saga of stain resistance combined with decades of under-regulation fun! Who knew your frying pan had a dark, eternal secret?
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Forever chemicals have been uninvited guests in your kitchen since the 1940s. Turns out "nonstick" really means "we'll never let go." Your pans, food packaging, and clothes are basically chemical zombies refusing to die.
Biodegradable? Nope, meet the 1940s chemical that’s been ghosting every attempt to leave your cookware alone for 75 years. It’s more committed than your last Tinder date.
Apparently, forever chemicals have been the ultimate clingy companions, resisting water, heat, stains, and the passage of time since before your grandparents invented microwave dinners.
Source: Theverge | Published: 9/7/2025 | Author: Justine Calma
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