PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals used in products like plastic food wrappers, non-stick cookware, stain resistant fabrics, cleaning agents, and personal care items. Due to their durability, they break down extremely slowly and can persist in the environment and living organisms for years, hence the nickname “forever chemicals.”

The survey published on Thursday by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), found that “Everyone in the Netherlands has different types of PFAS in the blood. In almost everyone, the amount of PFAS is higher than the health limit value.”

Human exposure typically occurs through contaminated food, drinking water, household products, air, and soil. Studies have linked certain PFAS compounds to health issues such as high cholesterol, infertility, kidney problems, and some cancers.