Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, commonly known as PFAS, encompass over 12,000 synthetic chemical compounds utilized in various everyday items. From take-out containers to cosmetics, PFAS find their way into a plethora of products, often boasting features like greaseproofing, waterproofing, flame retardancy, or nonstick properties.
Despite their industrial use dating back to the 1940s, PFAS have come under scrutiny due to their adverse effects on the environment and human health. Consequently, governmental oversight, especially concerning municipal water sources, has tightened in response to these concerns.
Termed “forever” chemicals, PFAS owe their name to the carbon-fluorine bond, one of the most robust and durable bonds in chemistry. This bond renders PFAS resistant to degradation in both environmental and biological contexts, facilitating their persistence in ecosystems and organisms.
The hazardous nature of PFAS stems from their toxic effects on human health and their propensity to accumulate in the body over time. High levels of PFAS exposure have been linked to various health risks, including kidney cancer, high cholesterol, weakened immune responses in children, pregnancy complications, and disruptions in thyroid and liver function.
Avoiding PFAS poses a considerable challenge given their prevalence in numerous consumer products and water sources, with up to 45% of water supplies in the United States containing detectable levels of PFAS. One crucial step in minimizing exposure involves installing water purification systems capable of filtering out these harmful chemicals.
Additionally, consumers are advised to exercise caution when selecting beauty or cookware products, opting for those explicitly labeled as PFAS-free. Choosing metal or glass containers for food and water storage, avoiding plastic straws and takeaway food containers, and refraining from purchasing waterproof or fire-retardant furnishings can further reduce PFAS exposure.
