A new study has found concerning concentrations of PFAS — widely known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment — in Greek eggs. The findings have sparked alarm over potential health risks, particularly for younger populations.

The research was carried out by scientists from the University of the Aegean and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and published in the international journal Science of The Total Environment. Researchers collected 75 free-range eggs from 17 chicken coops across Greece, spanning regions including Serres, Magnesia, Boeotia, Attica, and Ilia.

Troubling Results Across the Country

Out of the 46 PFAS compounds tested, 37 were detected in the eggs, covering 10 different categories of chemicals. More than half of the eggs exceeded the safety limits set by the European Union.

For the first time, residues of pharmaceuticals and pesticides were also found in Greek eggs, pointing to wider contamination issues in the food supply.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The study highlights that risks vary depending on age group and region, with the highest potential exposure identified among teenagers and residents of Ilia in western Greece.

The contamination occurs when chickens ingest polluted soil, water, or feed, leading to elevated levels of these chemicals in the eggs they produce. Alarmingly, the problem is not limited to industrial or urban areas but has also been detected in rural regions.

Why “Forever Chemicals” Are a Concern

PFAS have been linked to a range of serious health effects, including immune system damage, liver disease, cancer, developmental delays in children, and genetic abnormalities. Their persistence in the environment means that once introduced, they accumulate and remain for decades.

The study’s authors stress that the findings point to significant contamination across Greece, with widespread implications for food safety and public health.