What chemical bond characteristic makes PFAS persist as "forever chemicals"?

Answer

The strength of their carbon-fluorine bonds

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fundamentally defined by the robust nature of the bonds connecting carbon atoms with fluorine atoms. This specific chemical structure imparts extraordinary stability to the molecules. This stability is what grants them resistance to degradation from heat, oil, stains, and water, making them highly valuable in industrial applications. However, this same resilience is the critical factor leading to their persistence in the environment and biological systems. Unlike many conventional industrial chemicals that undergo natural decomposition processes over relatively short periods, the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond means these PFAS molecules resist breakdown for decades, potentially centuries, leading directly to their designation as 'forever chemicals' and subsequent accumulation within living organisms.

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