Toxic “forever chemicals” can accumulate in honeybee colonies and transfer to their honey, and potentially threaten food security and human health, Australian scientists warn in a new study.

These chemicals, called perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), are widely used in stain-resistant fabrics, non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and electronics, and persist in the environment as they do not break down easily.

Studies have shown that PFOS are associated with health risks, including high cholesterol and liver enzyme changes.