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What Are PFAS: Understanding the Risks and Impacts of Forever Chemicals

I recently had the displeasure of watching a movie called Dark Waters. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it. It was a terrifying look at a small town that was affected by a new DuPont plant that came to town.

That movie scared me enough to create this article.

I have since removed all teflon from my home. While there have been some efforts made to reduce PFAs in many products, I am moving to more eco-friendly options for my kitchen needs. After reading this I hope you will too.

What are PFAs

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industries since the 1940s.

Due to their unique ability to resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water, PFAS have been widely utilized in the manufacturing of a vast array of consumer products.

These commonly include:

  • Non-stick cookware
  • Water-repellent clothing
  • Firefighting foams

This is not an exhaustive list though! There are many other places PFA can be found.

The chemical structure of PFAS makes them highly persistent in the environment and resistant to degradation. This durability has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

The widespread use and persistence of PFAS have raised concerns because these substances have been found in water supplies, wildlife, and even human blood.

The health implications of PFAS exposure are a subject of ongoing research.

Certain PFAS have been linked to adverse health outcomes.

  • Thyroid disease
  • Liver damage
  • Decreased fertility
  • Increased risk of certain cancers
  • Dental issues

This was a big part of the movie. The physical implications from living near the factory and digesting the chemicals they were releasing into the nearby waterway were substantial.

Many had cancer, kids had rotting teeth and women were giving birth to babies with deformities. It was a heartbreaking show.

In more recent years, governmental agencies have been assessing the risks posed by PFAS to human health and the environment. The findings have led to an increase in guidelines and regulations to limit their use and release into the environment.

Unfortunately, they are still not banned in the US though.

scientists working with chemicals in a lab

Where PFAS Are Used

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals prevalent in various products and industrial processes. They can accumulate in the environment, presenting exposure risks through water, soil, and air, potentially affecting human health.

Industry and Manufacturing

The industrial sector, particularly facilities that produce PFAS or use them in manufacturing, is a significant source of environmental contamination. Emissions from these sites often disperse PFAS into the air and subsequently deposit onto soil and water surfaces. Facilities that manufacture plasticspaints, and cosmetics may release PFAS during production.

Consumer Products

Indices of PFAS are commonly found in a range of everyday household items. Various consumer products such as non-stick cookwarewater-resistant clothing, and stain-resistant carpets contain PFAS for their durability and resistance qualities. Regular use and disposal of these items contribute to the overall PFAS burden in the environment.

Even some dental floss brands have been found to have levels of PFAs. In a study by EHN.org, 13 of 39 brands tested were found to have the “forever chemical”. Oral-B Glide brand tested the highest with 248,900 ppm – or nearly 25 percent.

As of today – this chemical is STILL used in a lot of our day to day products. Worse yet is that there is no label showing that it is included.

Firefighting Foams

Unique to firefighting, foams used in extinguishing high-intensity fires, particularly at airfields or in industrial fire situations, are known to contain high levels of PFAS. These substances can leach into soil and water supplies, remaining persistent over time and posing exposure risks to communities.

Food Packaging

Food-related exposure to PFAS often derives from packaging materials, which include items such as wrappers, boxes, and containers designed to resist grease and moisture. The direct contact with food allows for potential migration of PFAS into the food itself, hence entering the human body upon consumption.

Fast-food restaurants are some of the worth offenders. In an attempt to keep your hands grease free, PFAs are used in various packaging. Even paper bags for cookies or fries are guilty!

PFAS in the Environment

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals found in various environmental mediums. They are persistent and can accumulate over time, posing potential risks to ecosystems and human health.

Water Contamination

PFAS enter surface water through industrial discharge, the use of firefighting foam, and wastewater treatment plant effluent. These substances are highly resistant to degradation, which allows them to remain in water bodies for extended periods. Their presence in water can lead to accumulation in fish, which may affect fish populations and present health risks to consumers of contaminated fish.

Notable Facts:

  • Detected levels of PFAS in water can vary widely, from parts per trillion to parts per billion.
  • Monitoring and regulation of PFAS in water are increasing but remain inconsistent globally.

Soil and Groundwater

The dispersion of PFAS in soil occurs via the application of contaminated biosolids as fertilizer or from industrial spills. Once in the soil, PFAS can leach into groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water sources. Remediation techniques for contaminated soil and groundwater are complex and costly due to the chemicals’ resistance to breakdown.

Key Points:

  • PFAS in the soil can inhibit plant growth and reduce crop yields.
  • Groundwater monitoring often reveals PFAS contamination near manufacturing sites.

Transfer to Wildlife

Animals can be exposed to PFAS through contaminated environments, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. PFAS are found in various tissues of wildlife, including blood, liver, and eggs. This exposure can have adverse effects on animal reproduction and development.

Observations:

  • Wildlife exposure to PFAS may lead to altered hormone levels and immune system disruptions.
  • Research indicates elevated PFAS levels in the eggs of birds living near contaminated sites.

Human Health and Toxicity

The toxicity of PFAS compounds and their impact on human health is an area of increasing concern, with studies indicating potential links to various health issues from prolonged exposure.

Health Effects of PFAS

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known to bioaccumulate in the human body, primarily in the blood, liver, and kidneys. Exposure to these chemicals has been associated with various adverse health effects. 

High cholesterol levels, alterations in liver enzymes, and increased risks of thyroid disease are some specific concerns. Additionally, evidence suggests potential reproductive and developmental effects, leading to increased focus from health agencies worldwide.

Exposure and Measuring Impact

Humans can be exposed to PFAS through contaminated water, food, consumer products, and occupational settings. Measuring the impact of PFAS on human health typically involves blood testing for PFAS levels.

Agencies such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide guidance on assessing exposure risks and suggest measures to minimize potential health impacts.

Cancer and Thyroid Disease

Research has indicated that certain PFAS may elevate the risk of cancers, particularly testicular and kidney cancer. The relationship between PFAS exposure and cancer development is complex and subject to ongoing research. Concerning thyroid health, there is evidence that PFAS exposure may lead to thyroid disease by disrupting the normal thyroid function, which is critical for metabolism and growth.

Legal and Regulatory Actions

Regulatory bodies have undertaken various actions to regulate and monitor the production, use, and disposal of PFAS, due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA enforces several regulatory measures to manage PFAS substances. These include the establishment of health advisories and the consideration of PFAS listing under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are also involved in assessing health impacts and providing guidance on PFAS.

  • Significant New Use Rule (SNUR): The EPA has applied SNUR to certain PFAS, requiring manufacturers to obtain EPA approval before new uses of these chemicals can commence.
  • Drinking Water: The EPA is evaluating the necessity for a national drinking water regulation for certain PFAS compounds.

Different states across the United States have also started to take action against PFAS:

  • Michigan has established its own enforceable drinking water standards for several PFAS compounds.
  • California requires notification if PFAS are present in products and has implemented a state-wide drinking water monitoring program.

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