PFAS Chemicals Are Bad for You
PFAS chemicals are synthetic substances that manufacturers have used in various products and industries since the 1940s. They are also called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment. On top of that, they can build up in our bodies over time. Forever chemicals can cause many health problems, such as cancer, liver damage, reproductive issues, immune system disorders, and thyroid disease. In this blog post, you will discover what forever chemicals are, how they can affect your health, and what you can do to reduce your exposure to them.
What are PFAS chemicals?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a family of thousands of different chemicals that share a common feature. They all have carbon-fluorine bonds that make them very stable and resistant to heat, water, oil, and stains. Manufacturers have used forever chemicals for many purposes. These include non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant carpets, food packaging, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and industrial processes. Some of the most well-known PFAS chemicals are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate). Many countries have banned or restricted these because of their toxicity and persistence.
How can forever chemicals affect your health?
PFAS or forever chemicals don’t break down easily in the environment, so they can contaminate our water, soil, air, food, and wildlife. They can also enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Once inside our bodies, some forever chemicals can stay for years or even decades, accumulating in our blood, organs, and tissues. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people in the United States have been exposed to some forever chemicals and have detectable levels of them in their blood.
The health effects of PFAS exposure are still being studied, but there is growing evidence that some forever chemicals can harm various systems in our body. Some of the potential health effects of PFAS exposure include:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
- Small decreases in infant birth weights
- Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
- Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women
- Changes in thyroid function
- Damage to the immune system
- Birth defects
- Delayed development
The severity and likelihood of these health effects may depend on several factors, such as the type and amount of PFAS exposure, the duration and timing of exposure, the individual’s age, gender, genetics, and health status, and other environmental or lifestyle factors.
How can you avoid forever chemicals?
You may not be able to completely eliminate your exposure to forever chemicals, but you can take some steps to reduce it. Here are some tips on how to avoid forever chemicals:
- Choose products that do not contain or use forever chemicals. Look for labels that say “PFAS-free”, “PFOA-free”, “PFOS-free”, or “fluorine-free”. Avoid products that say “non-stick”, “water-repellent”, “stain-resistant”, or “grease-proof” unless they specify that they do not use PFAS chemicals.
- Avoid non-stick cookware that contains PFAS chemicals. Instead, use stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, or glass cookware. If you do use non-stick cookware that contains PFAS chemicals, do not overheat it or scratch it.
- Avoid food that comes in contact with PFAS-containing materials. For example, avoid microwave popcorn from bags that contain forever chemicals or fast food from wrappers or containers that contain forever chemicals. Instead, use paper bags or glass containers to store or heat your food.
- Avoid drinking water that is contaminated with PFAS chemicals. If you live in an area where PFAS contamination has been detected in drinking water sources, use a certified water filter that can remove forever chemicals or drink bottled water from a safe source. You can also check the EPA’s website for information on PFAS contamination in your area and what actions are being taken to address it.
- Avoid personal care products that contain PFAS chemicals. For example, avoid shampoo, dental floss, or cosmetics that contain forever chemicals. Instead, look for products that are labeled as “PFAS-free” or “fluorine-free” or use natural alternatives.
- Avoid exposure to firefighting foams that contain PFAS chemicals. If you work in a profession that involves using or exposure to firefighting foams, such as firefighters, airport workers, or military personnel, follow the safety guidelines and wear protective equipment to minimize your exposure. You can also ask your employer or supervisor about the type and source of firefighting foams that are used and whether they contain PFAS chemicals.
Conclusion
Forever chemicals are synthetic substances that manufacturers have used in various products and industries since the 1940s. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment and they can build up in our bodies over time. Forever chemicals can cause many health problems, such as cancer, liver damage, reproductive issues, immune system disorders, and thyroid disease. To reduce your exposure to forever chemicals, you can choose products that do not contain or use forever chemicals, avoid eating food or drinking water that comes in contact with PFAS-containing materials, and avoid using or being exposed to firefighting foams that contain forever chemicals. By taking these steps, you can protect your health and the environment from the harmful effects of forever chemicals. You can get more information on forever chemicals in Wikipedia.