Cosmetics and personal care products have often tested positive for toxic chemicals. Now, a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame has found that more than half of common U.S. cosmetics tested contain high levels of industrial compounds associated with various health conditions, including cancer. One chemical found in an “alarming” number of products from popular stores such as Target, Ulta, Sephora, and Bed, Bath and Beyond was fluorine, which is part of the alphabet soup known as perfluorinated chemicals, historically abbreviated as PFC. Perfluorinated chemicals include perfluorocarbons and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as PFAS, but also referred to as PFOA and PFOS. PFAS are sometimes referred to as “the Teflon chemicals” or “forever chemicals” since they do not break down in the environment. They are used by manufacturers to make products water-, oil-, grease- and stain-resistant. They are also found in firefighting …