Forever Chemicals, PFAS, and Lung Cancer Risk: New Data

The link between your blood and your home

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center just found a direct link between PFAS (forever chemicals) and lung cancer mortality. By analyzing blood samples from the PLCO cohort study, they identified that higher circulating levels of PFOS, PFHA, and mono-iso-nonyl-phthalate significantly increase the risk of death from lung cancer.

The data is clear. Individuals in the highest quantile of these plastic-associated chemicals faced a 1.86 times higher risk of lung cancer-specific mortality compared to those with the lowest levels. This association held true regardless of age, sex, or smoking history. These chemicals are not just sitting in your products. They are entering your bloodstream.

What you can do today

You cannot control every source of environmental exposure, but you can control what you bring into your home. PFAS and phthalates are commonly used as coatings for nonstick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and plastic food storage. Every time you heat a nonstick pan or store warm food in plastic, you increase the likelihood of leaching these compounds into your body.

Start by auditing your kitchen drawer and pantry. Replace plastic storage with glass or stainless steel and ditch the nonstick pans for cast iron or ceramic. We have curated a collection of non-toxic home alternatives to help you swap out these hazards for safer, tested materials. Making the switch is the most effective way to lower your daily chemical burden.

Source: Irajizad E, Fahrmann JF, Wu R, Rudsari H, Dennison JB (2026). Clin Cancer Res.