What are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and why are PFAS often referred to as "forever chemicals?"
Forever is a long time, especially for toxic chemicals. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used commercially since the 1940s. PFAS are prized for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. The physical and chemical properties of PFAS make them common in consumer products, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant furniture, and so much more. There are thousands of types of PFAS chemicals, all with carbon-fluorine bonds that prevent them from breaking down in the environment. They even persist when we intentionally try to destroy them, such as through incineration[1]. Make a statement that lasts forever by avoiding forever chemicals. Here's what you need to know about PFAS and their health effects!
What Are PFAS Used For?
Have you ever wondered why your raincoat repels water so effectively or why food doesn't stick to your favorite nonstick cookware? The answer lies in the chemical properties of PFAS.
So, what are PFAS? Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals used in various products for their water and grease-resistant properties. However, due to their resistance to breakdown, known as persistence, and their ability to build up in our bodies (bioaccumulation), PFAS are associated with potential health and environmental risks.
For almost a century, PFAS have been developed to repel water, oil, grease, heat, and stains. That’s why they are commonly used in industries such as textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, electronics, and firefighting.
Their ability to repel water, oil, and stains makes them invaluable in creating waterproof clothing, nonstick cookware, and stain-resistant carpets. You've likely encountered PFAS in popular brands like Teflon, Gore-Tex, and Scotchgard.
The chemical nature of PFAS also helps products maintain low friction and resistance to extreme temperatures. Therefore, PFAS have become vital chemicals used in aerospace, medicine, automotive, and electronic manufacturing.
Their durability ensures that products remain effective over long periods, reducing the need for frequent replacements. However, the very property that makes PFAS so useful - their stability - also raises concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. As we continue to rely on PFAS, it's important to weigh their benefits against the risks.
PFAS in the Environment: They’re Here to Stay
PFAS are like that unwanted house guest who won’t leave. In fact, they will even stick around long after we’re gone.
PFAS are notorious for their persistence in the environment. Their resistance to decomposing has earned these harmful chemicals the dubious nickname of “forever chemicals."
This persistence is primarily due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest in chemistry. As a result, once released into the environment, PFAS can remain for centuries or even longer.
There are PFAS in drinking water, soil, and air due to pollution. Notable cases of environmental contamination include the DuPont (now Chemours) plant in Parkersburg, WV, and numerous military bases where firefighting foams containing PFAS have been used extensively.
The DuPont facility released PFOA (a PFAS named perfluorooctanoic acid) into the environment for decades, contaminating drinking water supplies in surrounding communities. The case resulted in a $670 million settlement in 2017 to resolve about 3,550 personal injury lawsuits [2].
“Companies cannot engage in corporate shell games to avoid liability for the messes they make," said Attorney General Josh Stein. "I'm pleased that this ruling provides that Chemours, DuPont, and its related companies cannot avoid responsibility by engaging in corporate restructuring schemes. Our fight for clean drinking water continues [3].
PFAS used in everyday consumer products can also end up in landfills, where PFAS can migrate into soil. From there, PFAS can enter drinking water supplies and the food chain.
They can also be carried by air and deposited back onto the ground or into water bodies through precipitation. This widespread distribution leads to contamination of drinking water, food sources, and the broader ecosystem.
The long-term implications of PFAS in the environment are significant. These substances can bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans, leading to potential health risks such as cancer, liver damage, and endocrine disruption.
The presence of PFAS in groundwater, drinking water, and food sources highlights the urgent need for effective measures to manage and mitigate their impact on the environment and public health.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS
Support longevity by reducing your exposure to forever chemicals. Research conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and various independent experts have uncovered significant health risks associated with PFAS exposure [4][5].
These risks include a higher likelihood of specific cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer, along with potential harm to the liver and immune system.
The C8 Science Panel studied over 69,000 people living near the Parkersburg, WV DuPont plant. The panel concluded that people with higher levels of PFOA (a type of PFAS) in their blood had a significantly greater chance of having testicular cancer, kidney cancer, elevated cholesterol, thyroid problems, pregnancy-related hypertension, and other health problems [6].
Researchers estimate that at least 97% of Americans have PFAS in their blood. Keeping your PFAS levels as low as possible is crucial to avoid these health problems [7].
Specific groups of people are at increased risk of PFAS exposure. Individuals residing near manufacturing facilities or regions with confirmed PFAS pollution face heightened vulnerability.
Firefighters and military personnel also encounter greater exposure due to the use of PFAS in firefighting agents, clothing, and other protective gear.
PFAS can impact fetal growth, putting pregnant individuals and young children at a greater risk of developing developmental or reproductive disorders [8].
PFAS have the potential to disrupt the body's hormonal balance. These influences can interfere with normal bodily processes.
As ongoing research is shedding light on the topic, concerns persist regarding the lasting repercussions of PFAS exposure, even at minimal concentrations. The long-lasting nature of these substances in both organisms and the ecosystem furthers these concerns.
As insights deepen, health agencies are continually revising their recommendations on safe PFAS exposure limits. Scientists are advocating for stricter thresholds than previously advised. Follow the news to stay up to date on the latest PFAS regulations.
So, what are PFAS regulations across the globe? Let’s take a closer look!
Regulation and Mitigation Efforts of PFAS
PFAS chemicals may last forever, but their use in manufacturing may not…hopefully! Current regulations on PFAS are becoming increasingly strict as the health and environmental impacts of these chemicals become more apparent.
In the United States, the EPA has established enforceable limits for several PFAS in drinking water, including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA. The EPA aims to reduce exposure for approximately 100 million people [9]. The European Union has also implemented restrictions under the REACH regulation, targeting the use and emissions of PFAS.
Efforts to protect people from PFAS include state-level actions - over 300 policies have been introduced in 34 states, such as those in Michigan and New Jersey, which have set their own stringent standards for PFAS in drinking water [10].
To tackle contamination, people are using water filters with activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems. Consider shopping for water filters certified to remove PFAS to ensure cleaner water at home.
Additionally, there is a push toward developing and adopting safer alternatives to PFAS in industrial applications. Silicone-based products and hydrocarbon-based surfactants are emerging as viable substitutes in various consumer and industrial products.
In the near future, managing PFAS will involve continuous research and legislative steps. Efforts like the PFAS Action Act are working towards tighter regulations and eventually phasing out PFAS use.
Research has already resulted in PFAS-free firefighting foams and eco-friendly solutions through green chemistry. Moreover, new technologies like advanced oxidation processes are being explored to efficiently remove these long-lasting chemicals from our surroundings.
Is the future PFAS-free? It remains to be seen, but we must do everything we can to achieve it.
Addressing the PFAS Challenge
How do you get rid of something that lasts forever? The use of forever chemicals is concerning due to their long-lasting nature and potential risks to health and the earth.
These chemicals are heavily used in everyday items and industries. Being so commonplace presents significant challenges because they are effective for companies to use. However, they stay in the environment and our bodies for a long time.
Understanding the chemical properties of PFAS is vital as we deal with their widespread effects, including contaminated water and their accumulation in living organisms. Ongoing research is uncovering more about their health implications, underscoring the need for urgent action.
To address the issue, individuals can make informed choices, support PFAS-free options, and push for stricter rules. Yet, effective management requires cooperation from various sectors, which presents the challenge at hand.
Looking ahead, it's crucial to focus on researching safer alternatives, improving cleanup methods, and enforcing comprehensive regulations.
Public awareness and education play a significant role in tackling the PFAS problem. By staying updated and backing efforts to reduce PFAS exposure, we can work together toward a healthier environment. While the road ahead may be challenging, sustained attention and collaboration can help minimize the impact of these persistent chemicals and promote sustainable practices.
How to Avoid PFAS In Everyday Life
Given their widespread presence, avoiding PFAS requires a multifaceted approach. One practical tip is to be mindful of food packaged in materials that may contain PFAS. Opt for fresh or frozen foods instead of those wrapped in grease-resistant paper or cardboard, such as fast food wrappers, pizza boxes, and microwave popcorn bags.
Another crucial step is to ensure your drinking water is free from PFAS-contaminated sources. Since PFAS can leach into groundwater and surface water, it's essential to check if your local water supply has been tested for these harmful substances.
If PFAS contamination is detected, consider using a water filtration system that is certified to remove PFAS. Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are effective options. Regularly maintaining and replacing the filters, as recommended by the manufacturer will help keep your drinking water clean and safe.
Lastly, be cautious with consumer products that may contain PFAS. These chemicals are commonly found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and water-repellent clothing. When purchasing these items, look for alternatives labeled as PFAS-free.
Additionally, avoid using personal care products such as certain cosmetics and dental floss that list PTFE or other fluorinated compounds in their ingredients (look for chemical names with ‘fluor’ in them).
Not sure if there are PFAS in your products? We can make sure your next shopping spree is PFAS-free. Shop Million Marker Approved Products. By being vigilant about the consumer products you bring into your home, you can reduce your overall exposure to PFAS.
What Are PFAS and Are They Dangerous?
PFAS are persistent chemicals found in everyday products that pose health and environmental risks due to their longevity and bioaccumulative properties. The lack of effective regulations allows companies to continue to use PFAS, creating safety concerns. To address this issue, stringent regulations are essential to limit PFAS exposure and protect public health and the environment. To reduce PFAS exposure, stop cooking with nonstick cookware, filter your water, avoid buying products made with PFAS, and limit your intake of packaged food. In addition, support regulation efforts and stay informed about safer alternatives to help create a safer and healthier future for all.
Resources
[1] https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2020/8/papers/pfas
[2] https://www.ehn.org/dupont-c8-parkersburg-2644262065.html
[3] https://ncdoj.gov/court-grants-significant-win-in-attorney-general-steins-pfas-case-against-chemours-and-dupont/
[4] https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/topics/pfas
[5] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
[6] http://www.c8sciencepanel.org/index.html
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4483690/
[8] https://ehp.niehs.anih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP10723
[9] https://www.epa.gov/pfas
[10] https://www.saferstates.org/priorities/pfas/