‘Forever chemicals’ used in outdoor gear found in snow on Mt Everest: Study

“Forever chemicals” used in water-repellent outdoor gear have been found in snow near Mount Everest’s summit, University of Maine reported.

Kimberley Miner, a research assistant professor at the university said these human-made PFAS could eventually pose a risk for residents who drink the water. This marks the first time that Everest snow and meltwater has been analysed for PFAS, the professor said.

According to Phys.org, Everest is one of the most coveted mountains to climb. In 2019, more than 800 people attempted to summit the 29,032-foot mountain. The chemicals were found in snow and meltwater collected from the Khumbu Glacier at Base Camp, Camp I, Camp II, and the Everest Balcony during the 2019 National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Everest Expedition.

Miner says says risks inherent to climbing Everest are likely to increase in coming years with growing glacier melt, precipitation changes, geologic shifts, and chemical pollution.