Household products that promise convenience and protection may be carrying a serious health cost.
According to a new study published in the scientific journal Environment International, chemicals often called forever chemicals are engineered to resist water, grease, and stains, which is why they are used in cookware, food packaging, clothing, and furniture. While these substances have been part of daily life for decades, scientists are increasingly warning that their impact on human health may be far more dangerous than once believed.
Researchers have already associated these chemicals with a wide range of medical concerns, including hormone disruption, liver disease, cholesterol imbalances, reproductive issues, and certain cancers.
Now, a new study suggests that exposure to specific environmental toxins may also raise the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.
The study focused on two chemicals in particular, PFOS and PCBs. Both have been widely used in industrial and consumer products and are known to persist in the environment. According to the research, individuals with higher levels of these toxins in their blood were more likely to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis than those with lower levels.
Multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, disrupting signals between the brain and the body. This damage can cause symptoms that range from numbness and muscle weakness to vision loss, chronic pain, balance issues, and severe fatigue. Over time, the condition can interfere with mobility, memory, and overall quality of life.
“People with the highest concentrations of PFOS and PCBs had approximately twice as high odds of being diagnosed with MS, compared with those with the lowest concentrations,” said Kim Kultima, the study’s lead researcher.
To reach these conclusions, the research team analyzed blood samples from 900 people in Sweden who had recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. These samples were compared with those from individuals without the disease. Scientists measured toxin levels and applied statistical analysis to determine whether chemical exposure increased the likelihood of developing MS.
The researchers also examined combined chemical exposure, recognizing that people are rarely exposed to just one toxin at a time.
“We could then see that an increase in total exposure was linked to higher odds of MS, even after adjusting for previously known lifestyle and genetic risk factors,” explained Aina Vaivade, the study’s first author.
Genetics played an unexpected role as well. Some individuals carry gene variants that were once believed to lower the risk of multiple sclerosis. However, the study found that when those same individuals were exposed to elevated levels of PFOS, their risk of developing MS actually increased.
“This indicates that there is a complex interaction between inheritance and environmental exposure linked to the odds of MS,” Kultima said. “We therefore think it is important to understand how environmental contaminants interact with hereditary factors, as this can provide new knowledge about the genesis of MS and could also be relevant for other diseases.”
Beyond MS, the findings add to growing concerns about the long term effects of forever chemicals on public health. These substances contaminate water, soil, and air, and research shows that nearly all Americans have detectable levels in their blood, including infants. Because the chemicals do not easily break down, they can remain in the body and the environment for decades.
PCBs were banned in the United States in 1979, yet they are still found today due to their persistence and presence in older materials. PFAS chemicals, which include PFOS, continue to be used in many products, increasing the likelihood of ongoing exposure. Health experts say reducing contact with these chemicals is possible, though it requires awareness. Using water filtration systems, avoiding nonstick cookware, and limiting consumption of food wrapped in grease resistant packaging can help. Choosing fresh foods, reading product labels, and looking for PFAS free options may further reduce daily exposure.
As research continues to uncover the long term consequences of these chemicals, studies like this one are pushing the conversation beyond convenience and toward accountability, regulation, and informed choices about what people bring into their homes and bodies.
