Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?

Are there 'forever chemicals' in your drinking water?

From Life Kit: Health by NPR

May 14, 2026 · 20 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the presence of 'forever chemicals' in drinking water and offers tips to reduce exposure.

According to the CDC, virtually all Americans have PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in our bodies. These manmade substances have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and more. This episode, take steps to reduce the buildup of these chemicals in your body with tips from reporter and host of the podcast Safe to Drink Mara Hoplamazian -- like getting special water filters and checking other items in your home that may contain PFAS, like nonstick pans. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit A previous version of this episode description incorrectly said that virtually all drinking water contained PFAS. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that at least 45% of the nation's tap water contains one or more of 30-plus types of PFAS chemicals. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Host: Mara Hoplamazian

Topics covered

  • PFAS
  • drinking water
  • health risks
  • water filters
  • chemical exposure

Keywords

  • forever chemicals
  • PFAS
  • drinking water
  • health risks
  • water filters
  • nonstick pans

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CDC, U.S. Geological Survey, NPR

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