In our modern world, we are surrounded by an array of convenient products designed to make our lives easier – from non-stick cookware to water-resistant clothing. However, lurking within many of these everyday items lies a hidden threat: PFAS, short for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
These synthetic chemicals have found their way into a myriad of products we use daily. While PFAS’ water and oil-resistant properties make it highly attractive, their presence in everyday products raises significant concerns about their impact on human health and the environment.
An article in Time Magazine revealed that PFAS are present in uncounted products from clothing to cooking utensils to food wrappers to furniture to shoes and much more.
PFAS usage is so widespread on the planet that clouds pick up these chemicals from water evaporating from contaminated oceans, resulting in chemicals falling as rain from the sky.
Today, we will discuss the world of PFAS in everyday products, aiming to shed light on their sources and the potential risks they pose to human health.
Everyday Products Containing PFAS
First things first, let’s start by talking about the everyday products harboring PFAS that are a part of our lifestyle and could potentially be threatening our health:
1. Non-stick Cookware
Non-stick cookware, often coated with substances like Teflon (a brand name for PTFE), is a staple in many kitchens. These pans and bakeware items boast easy food release and effortless cleanup, making them popular among home cooks and professional chefs alike.
However, the non-stick coating on these products typically contains PFAS compounds, which can be released into the air and food when heated at high temperatures.
Over time, repeated use and exposure to heat can cause the non-stick coating to degrade, potentially leading to the release of PFAS into the environment.
2. Firefighting Foam
Firefighting foams, such as Aqueous Film film-forming foam (AFFF), are crucial tools used to suppress fires involving flammable liquids. However, many firefighting foams contain PFAS-based surfactants to enhance their effectiveness.
TorHoerman Law notes that AFFF releases PFAS into the environment when it is used to extinguish fires, leading to soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination.
Numerous people have come forward to file lawsuits against the AFFF manufacturers for not warning the public about its health risks.
Under the 2024 AFFF lawsuit update, many lawyers are now accepting clients from all 50 states, providing free consultation for potential lawsuits. If you are or know someone who’d like to fight against AFFF manufacturers legally, consider this an ideal opportunity.
3. Waterproof Clothing
Waterproof and water-repellent clothing, including rain jackets, outdoor gear, and footwear, often contains PFAS-based treatments to repel water and moisture. These treatments help keep wearers dry and comfortable in wet weather conditions.
However, the use of PFAS in these products brings up serious questions about its potential health and environmental impacts.
PFAS chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or released into the environment during washing, contributing to the contamination of waterways and ecosystems.
4. Personal Care Products
PFAS can also be found in certain personal care products, including cosmetics, dental floss, and oral care products. These products may contain PFAS-based ingredients for their water-repellent or moisturizing properties.
While the concentrations of PFAS in personal care products are typically low, repeated use over time can contribute to cumulative exposure.
Additionally, PFAS residues from personal care products can enter the environment through wastewater discharge and contribute to the contamination of water sources.
Risks PFAS Pose to Human Health
The United States Environmental Protection Agency highlights that surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that most citizens of the county have been exposed to some PFAS.
The agency attributes this to the widespread production and use, as well as their ability to move and persist in the environment. Below, we will explore the major risks PFAS poses to human health:
1. Immune System Disorders
PFAS exposure has been linked to immune system dysregulation, including reduced vaccine response and increased susceptibility to infections.
Studies have found that elevated levels of PFAS in the blood are associated with impaired immune function and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Liver Damage
Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been linked to liver toxicity and damage. Studies have found that PFAS accumulation in the liver can lead to inflammation, fatty liver disease, and other liver disorders.
Elevated levels of PFAS in the blood have been associated with increased markers of liver dysfunction and impaired liver function tests.
3. Hormone Disruption
According to the Endocrine Society, the PFAS chemicals can mimic the fatty acids in our bodies. PFAS can also interfere with our hormone systems, reproductive problems, and thyroid dysfunction, which has led them to be labeled as endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
PFAS exposure, in particular, has been associated with alterations in sex hormone levels and adverse reproductive outcomes.
4. Increased Risk of Certain Cancers
The National Cancer Institute highlights that a variety of cancer types are associated with PFAS, including kidney cancer, breast cancer, and testicular cancer. Other, secondary types include thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, Lymphoma, and Childhood Leukemia.
While the exact mechanisms underlying this association are still under investigation, evidence suggests that PFAS may contribute to carcinogenesis through multiple pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage.
5. Developmental Issues in Infants and Children
Research has shown that exposure to PFAS during pregnancy and early childhood may lead to developmental delays and other adverse effects on neurodevelopment.
Prenatal exposure to PFAS has been associated with lower birth weights, impaired cognitive development, and behavioral problems in children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is stainless steel PFAS-free?
Yes, both stainless steel and cast iron cookware are free from PFAS/PFOA, and are, therefore, considered safe to cook and bake in.
What is the difference between AR AFFF and AFFF foams?
Alcohol-resistant (AR) foam works on both polar (alcohol) and non-polar (hydrocarbon) solvents. On the other hand, standard AFFF or protein-based foams work solely on non-polar solvents.
How do you remove PFAS from water?
According to the MN Department of Health, to remove PFAS from water supplies, you can either use filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes.
In wrapping up, the implications of PFAS exposure on human health cannot be understated. From developmental complications in our youngest to the heightened risk of cancers, the repercussions are concerning.
It’s evident that immediate action is imperative, be it through stringent regulations governing PFAS use or the push for safer alternatives across industries.
