“Forever chemical” replacements on the rise in the Great Lakes

Yet another game of toxic whack-a-mole—this time with PFAS chemicals. Phased-out compounds are decreasing in the Great Lakes, but replacements keep showing up.

As industry phases out certain toxic PFAS chemicals, the compounds are decreasing in and around the Great Lakes, but replacement chemicals — which some argue also pose serious health concerns — are increasing, according to new research from Canada.

This study, which contains the longest, consistent record of PFAS in Great Lakes precipitation, confirms that environmental practices and regulation can reduce these toxic “forever chemicals” in the environment, but raises questions about whether or not the same will hold true for their replacements. Read more.

Tags: Geology Industry