What Are Forever Chemicals or PFAS? | Reading Comprehension

This Reading Comprehension / Informational Text explores the impact of forever chemicals, or PFAS on human health and the environment. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, and can accumulate over time.

Scientists have found PFAS in soil, water, and even in the blood of people and animals worldwide. Exposure to high levels of PFAS may be linked to health problems such as liver damage, weakened immune response, and increased risk of certain cancers. Because of their widespread use and persistence, PFAS have become a global concern.

This worksheet is suitable for advanced to proficient ESL learners or native English speakers. After carefully reading the text, students are required to complete some comprehension exercises including:

• a true or false exercise
• comprehension questions
• a definitions match
• a multiple-choice exercise
• a crossword

This resource can be used as a mini-lesson, assigned for homework, or used for vocabulary-building purposes.

Total number of pages: 8
Answer key: included