Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ have reached the Amazon: Scientists discover PFAS in the world’s largest tropical rainforest for the first time – and warn they could be FATAL to the plants and animals living there

They’ve been found in food, drinking water, soil, and even in the human body.

But now scientists have detected toxic group of chemicals known as PFAS in the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest. 

The researchers at Coventry University say they’ve detected PFAS in the air around Amazonian trees, which they may be fatally absorbing. 

PFAS – or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances – have been dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ because they are designed not to break down in the environment and can be breathed in by humans.  

Studies have linked PFAS to infertility, behavioural problems, birth defects, high cholesterol levels and even various cancers, including kidney, testicular and ovarian. 

The new study was led by Dr Ivan Kourtchev from Coventry University’s research centre for agroecology, water and resilience. 

He called the occurrence of ‘forever chemicals’ in the atmosphere above the pristine Amazon Forest ‘shocking’. 

But Dr Kourtchev and colleagues are still working on identifying the exact health risk posed to the rainforest’s plants. 

‘The Amazon is a place of unique vegetation and wildlife, so these PFAS can have an impact on that,’ Dr Kourtchev said. 

‘In sensitive ecosystems with rare or endangered species, such disruptions can have devastating effects on biodiversity and species survival.’ 

It’s estimated that more than 30 million people live in the Amazon, who would be affected too by breathing in PFAS. 

‘When our body confuses this chemical with our hormones we can become infertile and if you have some unique animals or vegetation affected, that could stop their reproduction,’ said Dr Kourtchev. 

For the study, samples of air were collected at the top of the 1,066-foot-tall Amazon Tall Tower Observatory, which is about the same height as the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Air samples were taken from the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (pictured) in the Brazilian rainforest

The tower, around the same height as Paris’ most famous landmark, is located deep within the Amazon rainforest

Amazon Tall Tower Observatory is situated in the middle of rainforest around 93 miles (150km) from Manaus, one of Brazil’s largest cities. 

Samples were then returned to Coventry University where Dr Kourtchev analysed them using a sensitive technique he previously developed. 

‘We collected samples right at the top of the tower and also at tree canopy level – about 42 metres [137 feet],’ the academic said.

‘What was shocking to us was that we saw PFAS – we didn’t expect to and we also saw more at the top of the tower.

‘If PFAS were to be locally emitted, they should be found lower down the tower. 

‘This means PFAS were long-range transported and have been brought from somewhere. 

‘It was very puzzling to us.’ 

PFAS have been found in the blood of humans and wildlife in remote areas of the globe, as well as freshwater lakes that supply drinking water. 

But now Dr Kourtchev and international colleagues hope their research can help discover how PFAS are being transported. 

‘This research presents the first measurements of PFAS in the atmosphere of Amazon rainforest,’ they say in their paper, published in Science of The Total Environment. 

PFAS chemicals can contaminate drinking water, and it has been estimated that 110 million Americans (one out of three) may consume drinking water contaminated with these chemicals 

‘This study provides valuable insights into the long-range transport of the anthropogenic “forever chemical” into a remote natural ecosystem and should raise awareness of potential environmental implications.’ 

PFAS are used to make items such as non-stick frying pans, food packaging including pizza boxes and popcorn bags, coatings on paper, and adhesives. 

They have been linked to adverse health effects and once inhaled can stay inside our bodies for years

This means they cause problems including infertility and developmental issues, particularly for pregnant women and their babies.