What are Forever Chemicals and How to Reduce your Exposure

Concerned about what's in your drinking water? Learn the truth about forever chemicals, their impact on Australian households, and how to protect yourself and your family.
If you’ve come across the term ‘forever chemicals’ and felt a rising sense of concern, you’re not alone. These persistent pollutants - technically known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been making headlines worldwide, including here in Australia.

But what exactly are forever chemicals, where are they hiding, and how can you reduce your exposure, especially through drinking water? Let’s break it all down in this essential guide.

What are forever chemicals?

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are a group of man-made substances developed in the 1940s for their resistance to heat, water, oil, and staining. They’ve since been used in a wide range of everyday products - from non-stick cookware to stain-proof fabrics and even food packaging.

Their nickname, ‘forever chemicals’, comes from their chemical structure as they don’t break down naturally in the environment or in the human body. That means once PFAS enter our ecosystem, they stay there, accumulating over time in soil, water, wildlife, and even our bodies.

How PFAS became part of our daily lives

•    Teflon-coated frying pans
•    Waterproof jackets (like Gore-Tex)
•    Greaseproof takeaway food wrappers
•    Scotchgard-treated furniture and carpets

More concerning is their industrial use, particularly in firefighting foams, which have been used extensively across airports, military bases, and industrial sites in Australia. These foams contain concentrated PFAS, which seep into surrounding land and waterways, contaminating the local environment and posing serious long-term health risks.

Learn more about PFAS in Australian water

Forever chemicals and Australian drinking water

How forever chemicals contaminate our water supply

In Australia, PFAS contamination in water sources has become a pressing issue. Several regions across Australia have reported elevated levels of PFAS near military sites and airports.

These chemicals leach into groundwater and rivers, eventually finding their way into municipal drinking water supplies or rainwater tanks. Because they’re so stable, conventional water treatment methods often can’t remove them completely.

Although regulations exist to monitor PFAS levels in drinking water, the best course of action is to take proactive steps to reduce exposure at a household-level.

How to reduce exposure to forever chemicals in water

The good news? While forever chemicals may be hard to eliminate from the environment, you can drastically reduce your exposure at home, especially through your drinking water.

The most effective way to reduce forever chemicals: reverse osmosis

Currently, the most effective method for removing PFAS from drinking water is reverse osmosis (RO). This purification process uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants as small as 0.0001 micron, making it highly effective against even the most stubborn chemicals.

Another solution to reducing your exposure to PFAS is with the Hi-Tech Optimiser+ Cartridge which is exclusive to The Luxe Collection systems. The HTO+ can reduce polychlorinated biphenyls and PFOA/PFOS (PFAS).

Best reverse osmosis systems for PFAS removal

Other tips to reduce PFAS exposure at home

While water filtration is key, PFAS can also enter your body through food and contact with contaminated products. Here’s how to reduce your exposure through other ways:

❌ Avoid non-stick cookware made with Teflon

Replace old, scratched non-stick pans with PFAS-free alternatives such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic.

❌ Be cautious with stain-resistant fabrics

Many upholstery and carpet treatments contain PFAS, opt for untreated fabrics or products labelled ‘PFAS-free’.

❌ Limit fast food & takeaway

Greaseproof packaging often contains PFAS. Reducing your food exposure to the packaging can lower your exposure and improve your health.

Forever chemicals in Australia: what’s being done?

The Australian government has implemented national guidelines and is conducting ongoing research into PFAS contamination.

But it’s a long road ahead. Thousands of PFAS variants are still unregulated, and new ones are being developed every year. This means household-level solutions, particularly high-grade water filtration are your best defence.

Take control of your water quality today ⬇️

Forever chemicals may be invisible, but their impact on your health and environment is real. The good news? You don’t have to feel helpless.

By understanding what PFAS are, where they come from, and how to reduce your exposure, you can make informed choices that protect you and your family.
Start with your drinking water - clean, filtered water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce forever chemical exposure. A reverse osmosis water filter is a powerful tool for any household serious about water quality.

Explore our range of PFAS water filtration systems today and take the first step toward cleaner, safer drinking water.