UPSC Current Affairs
Forever chemicals
Context: Since their inception in the 1940s, the so-called forever chemicals have woven themselves into the fabric of our modern world. But recently, they’ve been appearing in alarming news headlines about their damaging effects on our health. PFAS have, in fact, come under intense scrutiny due to new research showing their persistent nature in the environment and potential health impacts.
VRAuthor Desk
2 min read
Context: Since their inception in the 1940s, the so-called forever chemicals have woven themselves into the fabric of our modern world. But recently, they’ve been appearing in alarming news headlines about their damaging effects on our health. PFAS have, in fact, come under intense scrutiny due to new research showing their persistent nature in the environment and potential health impacts.
Context:
- Since their inception in the 1940s, the so-called forever chemicals have woven themselves into the fabric of our modern world.
- But recently, they’ve been appearing in alarming news headlines about their damaging effects on our health.
- PFAS have, in fact, come under intense scrutiny due to new research showing their persistent nature in the environment and potential health impacts.
What are forever chemicals?
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals, numbering approximately 4,700 variants.
- What makes them different is their formidable carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds, renowned among scientists as the mightiest in chemistry.
- This stability makes them an important ingredient in many products.
- PFAS, in various forms, have played pivotal roles in creating oil- and grease-resistant food packaging, non-stick cookware, water-and stain-resistant textiles, and fire-fighting foams, to name a few.
- Their versatility has propelled them into our daily lives.
- The strength of their carbon-fluorine bonds is also what makes them resist breakdown by natural processes.
- Their longevity, often measured in centuries, has earned them the moniker of "legacy compounds".
Side effects of forever chemicals:
- Their presence has been detected in worrying concentrations in drinking water, soil, air and even in Arctic ice.
- Recent scientific investigations have unveiled a concerning connection between PFAS exposure and damage to health, both in humans and animals.
- These effects include an increased risk of cancer, liver damage, compromised immune function, developmental disorders and hormonal disruption.
- The adverse health effects can be traced to their persistence within the human body.
- Unlike many substances that are metabolised and eliminated over time, PFAS accumulate in bodily tissues and fluids without breaking down.
- This accumulation creates a perpetual, self-sustaining cycle: PFAS contamination permeates rivers, soil and the food chain.
- These chemicals find their way into the bodies of humans and animals, where they continue to accumulate over time.
Syllabus: Prelims
- Prelims: Key facts, institutions, locations and terminology in the article.
- Mains: Connect the topic with Environment, Economy, Polity & Governance.
- Revision: Use the article headings to prepare concise notes and answer-writing points.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to Forever chemicals, consider the following statements:
- Since their inception in the 1940s, the so-called forever chemicals have woven themselves into the fabric of our modern world.
- But recently, they’ve been appearing in alarming news headlines about their damaging effects on our health.
- PFAS have, in fact, come under intense scrutiny due to new research showing their persistent nature in the environment and potential health impacts.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of Forever chemicals for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- Context:
- What are forever chemicals?
- Side effects of forever chemicals:
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Forever Chemicals in the news?
Context: Since their inception in the 1940s, the so-called forever chemicals have woven themselves into the fabric of our modern world. But recently, they’ve been appearing in alarming news headlines about their damaging effects on our health.
What are the key facts about Forever Chemicals?
PFAS have, in fact, come under intense scrutiny due to new research showing their persistent nature in the environment and potential health impacts. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals, numbering approximately 4,700 variants. What makes them different is their formidable carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds, renowned among scientists as the mightiest in chemistry.
Why is Forever Chemicals important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Environment, Economy, Polity & Governance and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.