PFAS : What You Need to Know About "Forever Chemicals

While you're using your favorite nonstick pot, eating takeout in a foil-lined box, or lying on a comfy water-resistant beach chair, you're unknowingly being exposed to harmful chemicals that never break down. Welcome to the world of PFAS.

These invisible troublemakers, known as “forever chemicals,” are everywhere. They're almost impossible to avoid, but being aware is the first step in protecting your health and the health of your family.

What Are PFAS (and Why Should You Care)?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are human-made chemicals used to make products resistant to water, oil, heat, and stains. Sounds useful, right? However, the problem is they don’t break down—ever. They build up in our bodies, our soil, our water, and our wildlife.

Over time, PFAS exposure has been linked to:

• Cancers (like kidney and testicular cancer)

• Hormonal problems

• Weakened immune systems

• Fetal development issues and developmental delays in children

• Reproductive issues in animals and humans

Yikes!

Where Are PFAS Found

Even if we don’t manufacture PFAS in the Caribbean, we’re not safe from them. We import products full of PFAS every day. They're found almost everywhere:

• Nonstick cookware (like Teflon pots)

• Takeout food containers and fast food wrappers

• Stain-resistant furniture and carpets

• Clothing (yoga pants) and shoes

• Water-repellent jackets and school uniforms

• Some fertilizers used in local farming

• Building materials

And worse yet, manufacturers don’t have to disclose to consumers that they’re using them. AND the majority of governments don't regulate or test for most PFAS chemicals anywhere across the globe.

Caribbean Water, Food & Soil at Risk

PFAS don’t just stay in products. They leach into our groundwater, run off into our rivers, and end up in fish and produce. In regions like ours, where we depend heavily on the ocean, rainfall, and small-scale farming, this is a big deal!

And unlike hurricanes or floods, you won’t see PFAS coming.

What Can You Do?

Awarness is key. Sorry to sound like a buzz kill, but generally, you’re better off assuming that something does contain PFAS, particularly if you find keywords like “waterproof,” “stain-repellent,” or “dirt-repellent” on the tag. Recently, a number of apparel brands are taking action to remove PFAS from their merchandise and others have set time-bound commitments to do the same. But they are still in the minority. The best way to find out whether an item of clothing is PFAS-free is to check the brand’s website to see if it has announced that it has eliminated PFAS from its clothing or labeled clothing lines as PFAS-free.

Another action you can take is to ask your water provider for data on PFAS testing in your area. If there isn’t any data, ask the provider to start monitoring for a wider range of these chemicals. In the meantime, certain home water filters can help reduce contamination levels. Reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon are two types of filters that can effectively remove PFAS and other contaminants from drinking water. Boiling your water does not rid it of PFAS and can actually make its concentration higher.

Some other tactical actions to keep you safe include:

🍳 1. Ditch the Nonstick

Choose stainless steel, cast iron, or clay pots instead of nonstick cookware.

🥡 2. Avoid Greasy Food Packaging

Skip the foil-lined or plastic-coated takeout containers when you can. Bring your own reusable food container.

🧼 3. Read Labels (or Ask Questions)

Buy clothes, carpets, or upholstery that are PFAS-free—or ask your vendor where they’re made and what they’re treated with.

🚰 4. Filter Your Water

Use a certified filter that removes PFAS, especially if you live near industrial sites or airports. It’s a worthy investment for your health.

🌿 5. Support Local, Organic Food

The fewer chemicals used in production, the fewer you’ll end up eating. Support markets and farmers using natural growing and harvesting methods. Eat local food!

🗣️ 6. Speak Up and Spread the Word

• Ask your favorite restaurant or café what kind of packaging they use.

• Tell your MP or local councillor you want better regulation of toxic imports.

• Educate your friends and family—especially the ones always cooking in scratched-up Teflon pots.

The Bigger Picture

PFAS are a huge, global problem, but we in this region have a chance to act before it becomes an even bigger crisis here. Our small islands already face enough from climate change, pollution, and economic pressure. Let’s not let invisible chemicals silently make things worse.

By taking smart steps, together, we can protect our water, soil, and health.

Let’s make smarter choices, push for better policies, and stay proud of the beautiful islands we call home. Toxic chemicals don’t belong in paradise.