In this first episode, we introduce The Forever Problem and unpack a question most people have never been asked: what if something in your life never goes away?

Sahana explains PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” substances designed to resist heat, water, and time. These chemicals don’t break down, don’t disappear, and are now found in our environment, our food, and our bodies. You can’t see them, smell them, or taste them, which is why so many people don’t realize they’re being exposed.

This episode breaks down the science behind why PFAS last forever, how they were created, where they show up in everyday life, and what researchers are learning about their potential effects on health, especially for younger and developing bodies. It also asks the bigger questions: why aren’t we taught about this, who knew, and why did it take so long for these chemicals to be questioned?

This podcast isn’t about panic. It’s about awareness. Because once you understand what “forever” really means, you start seeing the world differently.

In this episode, we uncover how PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) — a type of PFAS forever chemical — quietly shows up in everyday products. From food packaging and athleisure to cosmetics and drinking water, PFOS are not locked away in labs. They are in our homes, our schools, and even our daily routines. These chemicals were designed to resist heat, oil, and water, but that same strength makes them nearly impossible to break down in nature or in our bodies.

We explore how PFOS can leach from fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and takeout containers into hot food. We look at stain-resistant clothing and waterproof fabrics that shed chemicals into dust and water systems. We also discuss PFOS in personal care products like waterproof mascara, lipstick, dental floss, and shampoos. Most concerning is water contamination. PFOS can enter groundwater through factories, landfills, and firefighting foam sites. They have no smell, taste, or color, and boiling water does not remove them.

Studies have linked PFOS exposure to hormone disruption, immune system effects, liver damage, high cholesterol, developmental concerns, and increased cancer risk. Children and teens are especially vulnerable. This episode focuses on awareness, not panic. When people understand where exposure happens, they can ask better questions, support safer regulations, choose PFAS-free products, and reduce reliance on unnecessary stain- or water-resistant treatments. The problem may be widespread, but informed choices still matter.

In the next episode, we tackle a deeper question: Why can’t scientists simply remove PFOS from our environment? Why does “forever” truly mean forever?

In this episode, we tackle a frustrating but important question: If PFAS are dangerous, why can’t scientists just get rid of them? PFAS, a type of PFAS known as “forever chemicals,” were engineered to resist heat, water, and oil. At the core of the problem is chemistry. The carbon–fluorine bond that makes PFAS so useful is also one of the strongest chemical bonds on Earth. These compounds do not break down naturally. They do not rot, dissolve, or disappear. They persist in soil, water, wildlife, and the human body.

We explore why modern water treatment systems struggle to remove PFAS. Most facilities were built before these chemicals were widely understood. Standard filtration and chlorination do not destroy them. Burning them requires extremely high temperatures and can release toxic byproducts if done improperly. To make matters more complex, PFAS are not just one chemical but thousands of related compounds. Even replacement “short-chain” PFAS, marketed as safer, remain persistent in the environment and can spread more easily through water systems.

Scientists are testing solutions like activated carbon filtration, ion exchange systems, plasma treatment, and electrochemical destruction. While some methods show promise, scaling them safely and affordably remains a challenge. Cleanup is slow and costly, and not all communities receive equal protection. The deeper truth is that PFOS were never designed to be removed. Prevention, regulation, and stopping non-essential uses may be the most realistic path forward. The problem may be long-lasting, but informed action and stronger oversight can shape what happens next.

In the next episode, we explore how PFAS became so widespread without public awareness and why stronger transparency matters.