Alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Norwegian Arctic ice

• An Oxford University-led study has found alarming levels of toxic PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals” in the ice around Svalbard, Norway which pose a risk to the region’s wildlife.
• The Norwegian Arctic ice consists of 26 types of PFAS compounds which once the ice melts can be passed to ecosystems like Arctic fjords and tundra.

What are Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS)?

• The PFAs refer to a class of around 12,000 chemicals which are often found in consumer products which resist water, heat or stains and are also called “forever chemicals” since they do not naturally break down over time.
• Additionally, these chemicals are linked to a number of diseases including cancer, liver disease, etc.
• Therefore, these contaminants, once passed on, can affect the entire food web from small organisms like plankton or fish to apex predators in the region like polar bears.

Uses

• Cosmetics, electronics, textile (waterproof outdoor clothing),paper and cardboard food packaging, in non-stick cookware.