A recent study by researchers in the University of Florida found that 21 major toilet paper brands sold worldwide contain PFAS, dubbed “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade in the environment. These chemicals likely enter wastewater treatment systems, and can potentially be a significant source of water pollution. PFAS are not the only chemical pollutants of concern that are increasingly found in our household products. There are thousands of other synthetic chemicals entering our food chain, and evidence shows that these adversely affect human health, with the most well-researched being the endocrine-disrupting effects. What do we know about these contaminants, including the “forever chemicals”, and how should their industrial use be regulated? We discuss with Dr Azraai Bahari Nasruddin, Consultant Endocrinologist from Hospital Putrajaya, and Professor Dr Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Professor of Hydrochemistry, and Director of the International Institute of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

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