Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China have compiled a geospatial dataset of “forever chemicals” by pulling together data from studies conducted across the country between 2021 and 2024. Forever chemicals—also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—are used in products like nonstick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foam for their water- and heat-resistant properties, but they persist in the environment and have been linked to serious health risks such as immune system damage and certain cancers. The team reviewed nearly 3,500 English- and Chinese-language studies and extracted more than 2,000 sampling records, creating a dataset that shows contamination hotspots and provides a tool for tracking recent exposure trends.
Image Credits: Daniel Campbell
