PFAS Forever Chemicals and What You Need to Know

What exactly are PFAS?

PFAS or “forever chemicals”, are the subject of lawsuits, investigations, public policies, and studies worldwide. They are found in products from candy wrappers to stain guards.

PFAS or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are synthetic (man-made) chemicals containing carbon and fluorine so strongly bonded (connected) that they resist breakdown and do not dissolve in water. 

This resistance allows them to travel worldwide and linger in our water resources, soil, wildlife, food, and bodies. They are known as the “forever chemicals” because of their indestructible nature and presence. They are a global concern.

Where have they been found?

The following have been noted to contain PFAS.¹

1. Landfills
2. Disposable and hazardous waste sites
3. Public and well water
4. Soil
5. Dust
6. Food from animals and plants exposed to PFAS
7. Human blood (98 percent of Americans)
8. Umbilical cord blood
9. Breast milk

This information may be a bit disturbing, but there is a silver lining and measures being taken. 

We’ll cover the good news after exploring what they do, what products contain them, and how to limit exposures.

How do PFAS effect our health and environment?

Many chemicals are identified as PFAS. We’ll be noting PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), the long chained substances that have been used and studied the longest.

Both PFOA and PFOS have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid problems, increased cholesterol levels, adult obesity, and a diminished immune response in children. 

PFOS has been associated with developmental issues and decreased fertility.

Rising concern for consumer safety prompted a ban of both PFOA and PFOS. They were substituted with shorter chained versions. 

Unfortunately, the short chains were found to have similar concerns. Environmental measures for the cleanup/management of the long chain PFAS were also noted to be less effective on the short chained verities.⁴

Since PFOS and PFOA were banned, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has reported some decrease in blood levels but noted tracking difficulties because of the large number of PFAS in use.⁵

NIEHS focuses on the identifying PFAS contaminant sources (factories etc.), high risk areas, and the health effects. NIEHS works closely with the FDA, EPA, private organizations, and other agencies.

Recognizing products containing PFAS is important. 

Avoidance can be challenging. Large numbers of products contain them, and there are thousands of chemicals identified as PFAS. 

Here’s a short list of popular products containing PFAS and other sources.

1. Stain guards for carpets and rugs.

2. Water proofers in fabrics, clothing, and waxes to name a few.

3. Commercial lubricants such as grease resistant food packaging, fast food containers, pizza boxes, and microwavable packages (popcorn bags).

4. Non-stick pan coatings.²

5. Fire extinguishing foam, candy wrappers, facilities that make or use PFAS, personal care products (even some dental floss), some cosmetics, and fertilizer from treated wastewater.³

For an in depth helpful list of products containing PFAS and Jeffrey Kluger’s article from TIME⁷, click here.

How can we reduce and limit our exposure to PFAS?

Limiting and minimizing use, replacing products with cleaner alternatives, and researching for healthier options can be helpful practices.

To reduce and limit PFAS use and exposure, the NRDC’s (National Resources Defense Council) recommendations are listed below.²

1. If you see “PTFE” and/or “fluoro” as a product ingredient, steer clear.

2. Beware of products labeled “PFOA-free”, they will most likely contain the PFAS substitutes which seem to be as harmful.

3. Contact manufacturers and ask for product ingredients. PFAS usually aren’t listed.

4. NRDC considers products labeled “PFAS-free” or free of fluorinated chemicals/fluorocarbons to be safe choices.

5. Avoid stain/water resistant or waterproof products if possible and non-stick cookware to reduce exposure. Stainless, glass, cast iron, or ceramic alternatives are recommended.

6. Beware of ordering or heating food in grease resistant containers, wrapping, and bags (microwave popcorn). They often leach.

7. It can be helpful to use special water filters, check water levels, and ask the local water provider about levels. Certain water filters can reduce PFAS.

8. Green Science Policy Institute recommends that highly fluorinated chemicals be used only when necessary and with “safeguards”.⁴

What Measures are being taken to protect the public and the environment?

Last but not least, the silver lining. The PFAS management challenge is not an easy one, but we are moving in a positive direction.

Here’s what’s happening. 

1. Many companies are voluntarily removing highly fluorinated chemicals from their products. 
2. Many states have tap water standards for certain PFAS.
3. Studies, advocacy groups, and lawsuits against manufacturers are supporting more regulations.
4. Measures to manage the health and environmental challenges created by PFAS are being addressed on a global level.
5. Recent lawsuits for responsible party accountability is ongoing.
6. Increased research on effective removal techniques as well as safe, problem free PFAS replacements is a priority.
7. Government agencies, consumer advocacy, and watch dog groups are committed to protect our health and environment
8. Consumer guidelines for limiting exposure and avoidance are being revised. 

Other positive measures are outlined in the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) strategic roadmap (October of 2021 extending to 2024). The focus is on public safety, environmental protection, and the creation of an EPA council of technical and policy leaders.⁶

In a nutshell, the roadmap strives to prevent future harmful air, soil, and water levels; holds polluters responsible; studies various PFAS focusing on exposure level and health/environmental concerns; interviews community members who have been affected by contamination; and increases clean-up measures.

Under this government plan, offices have the following assigned tasks and duties as noted below.³

1. Offices of Chemical Safety and Pollution-testing, reviewing new and existing PFAS, revision of toxic chemical exemption and exclusion policies.
2. Office of Water-monitoring, establishing PFOA and PFOS drinking water regulations, evaluating other PFAS, publishing toxicity assessments for select PFAS, regulating PFOA/PFOS, restricting industrial discharges, and gathering water and biosolid related information.
3. Office of Land and Emergency Management-designating some PFAS as hazardous, and increasing public involvement and input.
4. Office of Air and Radiation-monitoring source, movement of emissions, regulating, and removal.
5. Office of Research and Development-finding and measuring all types of PFAS, performing health and environmental risk assessments, and developing new technology.

The roadmap also includes an additional Cross-Program. This program focuses on public awareness, education and reporting, compliance enforcement, and encourages companies to voluntarily reduce environmental PFAS release.³

Living with PFAS seems a fact of modern life. Known as “forever chemicals”, their indestructible nature creates health and environmental challenges worldwide.

The vast number of products containing, and large number of chemicals classified as PFAS makes avoidance challenging.

PFAS awareness empowers us to protect ourselves, loved ones, and communities by avoiding, limiting, or replacing products containing these harmful chemicals.

We can be reassured and comforted knowing that many are working diligently toward the best possible outcome.

Holding responsible parties accountable, establishing protocols and safeguards as well as protective measures for control and removal remain top priorities.

With the right attention, this too shall pass, so enjoy the day. Each new one is special.

I hope this information was helpful. Please share and pass the word to others. If you have questions or comments, please reach out. I would love to hear from you.

Wishing you continued wellness.

Kimberly I

Here a few more useful links.

For the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Data Base, click here.

For a flyer about non-stick products with recommendations from the Green Science Policy Institute, click here.

For more information on product ingredient awareness, click here.

Updated December 2023 by Kimberly Iacoponi

Sources

1. Moran, B. (2019, November 8). What Are PFAS Chemicals, and Should I Be Freaking Out About Them? WBUR. https://www.wbur.org/news/2019/11/08/what-are-pfas-chemicals-and-should-i-be-freaking-out-about-them

2. Ginty, M. (2020, January 7). “Forever Chemicals” Called PFAS Show Up in Your Food, Clothes, and Home. NRDC. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/forever-chemicals-called-pfas-show-your-food-clothes-and-home

3. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Our Current Understanding of the Human health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas

4. Green Science Policy Institute. (2018, June 1). GreenSciencePolicy. https://greensciencepolicy.org/docs/pfas-myths-vs-facts-18-06-01.pdf

5. National Institute Environmental Health Services. (2021, November 17, last reviewed). Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). NIEHS. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm

6. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021, October 18). PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA’s Commitments to Action 2021–2024. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-strategic-roadmap-epas-commitments-action-2021-2024

7. Kluger, J. (2023, May 19). All the Stuff in Your Home That Might Contain PFAS. TIME. https://time.com/6281242/pfas-forever-chemicals-home-beauty-body-products/