Mayo Clinic Minute: 'Forever chemicals' found in household products may affect women's heart health

P-FAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl (poli-floro-al-key-al) substances. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily over time, which has led to widespread contamination.

A new American Heart Association study found that middle-aged women in particular, with high blood concentrations of these chemicals are 70% more likely to develop high blood pressure.

Forever chemicals are in thousands of household products, including shampoos, cosmetics, plastic packaging and more. They're also found in water sources and foods we eat.

Previous studies have shown that, even at low levels, these forever chemicals create adverse health effects.
____________________________________________

For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.