Study finds alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Norwegian Arctic ice, may affect wildlife

Source: The post is based on the article “Study finds alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Norwegian Arctic ice, may affect wildlife” published in WION on 13th February 2023.

What is the News?

An Oxford University-led study has found alarming levels of toxic PFAS (Per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) also known as “Forever Chemicals” in the ice around Svalbard, Norway which poses a risk to the region’s wildlife.

What are PFAs or Forever Chemicals?

PFAS are a class of about 12,000 chemicals often used to make thousands of consumer products resist water, stains and heat.

They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down.

Uses: PFAs are used to make nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, firefighting forms and many other products that resist grease, water and oil.

WStudy finds alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Norwegian Arctic ice, may affect wildlifehat are the impacts of PFAs?

PFAs can migrate to the soil, water and air during their production and use. Since most PFAs do not break down, they remain in the environment for long periods of time. Some of these PFAs can build up in people and animals if they are repeatedly exposed to the chemicals.

Varieties of health risks that are attributed to PFA exposure include decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, interference with body hormones, increased cholesterol levels and increased risk of some cancers.