Non-stick cookware, grease-resistant food packaging, and water-resistant clothing are products that make our daily lives easier, but this convenience comes at a cost.
What are PFAS?
- Class of chemicals: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals.
- Characteristics: Water and grease resistant.
- Toxicity: PFAS are toxic and pose significant health risks.
- Nickname: "Permanent chemicals" because they are almost irreversible.
- They are found everywhere – at home, office, supermarkets.
The problem with rules and information
One of the main problems with the regulation of PFAS chemicals is the lack of obligation for manufacturers to inform consumers about the use of these chemicals in their products. This means that consumers are often unaware of the presence of PFAS in the items they use every day.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate or test most PFAS chemicals, leaving a lot of room for uncontrolled use of these potentially harmful substances. This lack of proper regulation and information poses a serious problem for public health and the environment.
Health effects of PFAS
Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to a number of health risks, including kidney and testicular cancer, hormone disruption, liver and thyroid problems, interference with the effectiveness of vaccines, reproductive harm and abnormal fetal development.
Study C8
The C8 study monitored the health of approximately 69,000 people in West Virginia who were exposed to PFAS in drinking water. Although the major effects of PFAS were known to scientists decades ago, this information was not disclosed to the EPA or the public.
What do independent studies say?
Independent studies have shown that PFAS are toxic to adults and especially to children, accumulating in a child's body before birth. This is alarming since PFASs have been detected in breast milk, umbilical cord blood and the blood of 98% of participants in a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
PFAS in clothing
PFAS chemicals are widely used in our clothing, shoes and accessories. These chemicals cause pollution at every stage of production and consumers can be directly exposed while using the clothing. Also, PFAS-treated clothing releases chemicals into the environment when disposed of or burned.
In response to pressure from consumers and environmental organizations, some well-known brands such as Levi Strauss & Co., Victoria's Secret and Deckers Brands have removed PFAS from their products. Meanwhile, other brands such as Ralph Lauren and Patagonia Inc. have made commitments to do the same.
Measures to protect against PFAS
- Check brands: Check the brand's website for information on whether they have eliminated PFAS.
- Contacting customer service: Ask directly about the presence of PFAS in products.
- Misleading labels: Don't be fooled by "PFOA-free" or "PFOS-free" labels.
PFAS in water and food
Water systems in 50 US states are contaminated by more than 5,000 contaminated sites. The EPA has set limits for six PFAS chemicals, and testing and filtering with methods like reverse osmosis and activated carbon can help reduce contamination.
PFAS have also infiltrated the food system through packaging and cooking utensils. In response, the FDA has banned some PFAS in food packaging, and laws in California and New York have banned PFAS in paper-based food packaging as of 2023.
