PFOA is a man-made chemical that was used for decades to make non-stick coatings and water-resistant materials. It is one of the most studied “forever chemicals” — it does not break down in the environment or in your body.

Most people are exposed through drinking water, food packaging, and older non-stick cookware. Once in your blood, PFOA stays there for years.

Research links PFOA to kidney cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and weaker vaccine responses in children. Major manufacturers phased it out of US production by 2013, but it is still found in older products and in the environment.