PFAS crisscrossing into Arctic Ocean

 “Forever Chemicals” Are Crisscrossing in the Arctic Ocean | Technology Networks

“Forever chemicals” are stuck in a loop in the Arctic Ocean, according to a new study.

Researchers observed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) circulating in the polar waters in an uneven feedback loop, whereby the Arctic Ocean exports almost as many chemicals to the North Atlantic Ocean as it receives back.

PFAS cold swimming

PFAS are a group of chemicals used to waterproof consumer products like pans, packaging and paints. In recent years, the substances have been linked to cancers and birth defects, leading to mounting political pressure for stricter regulations.


Whether these come into force or not, tons of the chemicals are already in circulation in the world’s oceans, including the Arctic Ocean. Here, PFAS are stuck in an almost balanced feedback loop of ocean currents, as a group of researchers from the University of Rhode Island discovered.