Photo by Greg Bulla on Unsplash
by Christine Muller
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemicals found in the water, air, and soil—and in the blood of humans and animals worldwide. They exist almost everywhere on Earth in various levels of concentration, even in rainwater and in the Arctic.
The problem is complicated because there are more than 12,000 different PFAS, and they originate from many different sources. They break down only very slowly—the time varies for different chemicals, but they are all very persistent in the environment and are therefore known as the “forever” chemicals. Even when exposed at low levels, these toxic chemicals build up over time in the environment and our bodies.
PFAS are very harmful to human health and have been shown to increase the risk of various cancers, weaken the body’s immune system, interfere with human hormones, and increase cholesterol levels and risk of obesity.
These chemicals are useful for certain products because they can make them stain-resistant, water-repellent, and slippery. So, for example, we can be exposed to PFAS through Teflon pans, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant carpets and furniture, food packaging, fish (especially freshwater fish), cosmetics, and even some dental floss.
PFAS are intentionally added to sportswear, raincoats, and firefighters’ uniforms—that is why so many firefighters are suffering and dying from cancers. PFAS are also detected in some foods in which they have not been intentionally added because they are in our water, air, and soil. For example, they were found in some brands of organic spaghetti sauce.
It is impossible to escape exposure to PFAS, but we can do a few things to lower our risks:
- If you have a non-stick pan, especially Teflon, don’t use metal utensils and don’t heat it above medium-high. If your pan is old or has scratches, throw it out.
- Avoid fast-food wrappings and containers. Bring your own glass or stainless-steel containers.
- Inform yourself to make safer consumer choices, for example when buying dental floss.
Most important, though, is to contribute to cultural change that puts the health of humans and the environment above profit. Human health and the health of the environment are interconnected. When we request stronger government regulations of toxic chemicals and hold companies responsible for their pollution, we serve all living things, all of humanity, and our personal health.
Sources/Additional Information
What to know about the risks of PFAS (Center for Science in the Public Interest, cspinet.org)
How PFAS Can Harm Your Health (Consumer Reports website, consumerreports.org)
PFAS Analytic Tools (US EPA.gov website)
PFAs in Dental Floss Report (mamavation.com, website of activist Leah Segedie)
