ND Professors' Research Highlights Hidden Man-Made Carcinogens

PFAS chemicals found in everyday products like food containers and firefighter gear

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, in a variety of consumer products including fast-food containers, menstrual underwear, cosmetics, and even in fish caught recreationally. The findings raise concerns about public health exposure to these carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Why it matters

PFAS have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, and are extremely difficult to break down once released into the environment. The widespread presence of these "forever chemicals" in everyday products highlights the need for greater regulation and consumer awareness around the potential risks.

The details

Professors Graham Peaslee and Gray Lamberti have conducted research identifying PFAS in a variety of consumer products, including fast-food containers, reusable menstrual underwear, and cosmetics. They have also found PFAS in fish that people may catch and consume recreationally. PFAS are synthetic organic chemicals that have been used for decades in products like Teflon and stain-resistant fabrics, and they are known to be highly persistent in the environment.

  • The research by Professors Peaslee and Lamberti was published in March 2026.

The players

Graham Peaslee

A professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame who has identified PFAS in various consumer products.

Gray Lamberti

A professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame who has identified PFAS in fish that people may catch and consume recreationally.

South Bend Water Works

The municipal water utility in South Bend, Indiana, which has had to address PFAS contamination in its water supply.

Todd Skwarcan

The assistant chief of the South Bend Fire Department, which is working to reduce firefighters' exposure to PFAS.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can think about PFAS as being the DDT of the 21st century.”

— Gray Lamberti, Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame

“More and more we are looking for ways to eliminate our exposure to PFAS.”

— Todd Skwarcan, Assistant Chief, South Bend Fire Department

What’s next

The South Bend Water Works is working to address PFAS contamination in the city's water supply, including shutting down a contaminated well and increasing filtration at another well. The South Bend Fire Department is also taking steps to reduce firefighters' exposure to PFAS, such as implementing new policies around wearing turnout gear and disposing of PFAS-containing firefighting foams.

The takeaway

This research highlights the widespread presence of harmful PFAS chemicals in everyday products, raising concerns about public health and the need for greater regulation and consumer awareness. The findings also underscore the challenges faced by local communities and institutions like fire departments in addressing PFAS contamination and exposure.