PFAS: The Forever Chemicals

September 7, 2022 / pwsadmin / Comments Off

PFAS chemicals are a class of chemicals used to make products grease proof, waterproof, stick-proof, and stain-resistant. They are added to:

Food Packaging: pizza boxes, food wrappers, take out containers, microwave popcorn bags, disposable trays, and bakery bags;
Non-stick pans (Teflon)
Firefighting foam
Carpets, rugs, furniture textiles, window treatments, car seats
Stain-proof and waterproof clothing
Outdoor gear
Umbrellas
Personal care products like dental floss, mascara, foundation, menstrual underwear
Artificial turf
Medical equipment and masks
Building products
Firefighters’ personal protective equipment,
And more.

PFAS chemicals have been dubbed “forever chemicals”, because they are extremely persistent, lasting thousands of years. Every American tested has PFAS in their blood.

That’s a problem because very small doses of PFAS increase the risk of a wide variety of health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, liver problems, high cholesterol, and immunosuppression. In 2005, under pressure from a class action lawsuit, industry stopped manufacturing two of the most harmful PFAS chemicals: PFOA and PFOS. But these two chemicals have contaminated water systems across the country, and the world.
Industry has replaced PFOA and PFOS with similar, but slightly modified chemicals. While scientists have not studied every PFAS chemical—there are 9,000 variants—those chemicals that have been studied show similar properties to PFOA and PFOS. They are persistent, mobile, and toxic at very low doses, often acting in similar ways on similar organs as the chemicals they were developed to replace.

How does contamination occur and how are we exposed?

Drinking Water: We are exposed to PFAS through multiple sources. For some people, the main source of contamination is through drinking water. Drinking water can become contaminated with PFAS by firefighting foam which is used at military bases, firefighting training centers and airports to put out fuel driven fires and in training exercises. The foam seeps into the ground, eventually contaminating the water. Chemical companies and large manufacturers of products that are marked as stain proof, grease proof, water resistant etc. toooften discard toxic waste containing PFAS directly into nearby rivers. Landfills can also leach PFAS because the chemicals that are in products end up in the trash. PFAS are mostly unregulated by the federal government and very few water utilities currently have the technology to filter out any PFAS chemicals once they enter the drinking water supply. In Massachusetts, only six PFAS chemicals, out of thousands, are beginning to be monitored and regulated (as of early 2020).

Food: The second main source of contamination is through our food and cookware. PFAS chemicals were first introduced through the Teflon™ brand fluoropolymer coating, added to pots and pans to make them nonstick. Overheating Teflon™ coated pans can release PFAS into the air. Similar chemicals can be found in microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and paper takeout containers, including some compostable. These chemicals are then transferred to the food we eat, especially if the food is hot or high in fat.

Fabric: Lastly, PFAS chemicals are added to clothing to make them waterproof and stain resistant, such as raincoats and umbrellas. It is also often put on furniture, carpeting or other textiles at home or in the office and is used in some carpet cleaners and floor wax.

What can be done to stop PFAS exposure?

Stop using PFAS: Manufacturers should stop making and using PFAS chemicals. Businesses should investigate the materials and products they use to determine if they contain PFAS. They are not always necessary, and for many uses, there are safer alternatives available.
Right to Know: Consumers and residents need to know which factories are making and using PFAS, what products contain PFAS and what water supplies are contaminated. Tips for consumers • Avoid stain, water and oil repellent products. • Use cast iron or stainless steel instead of Teflon coated cookware. • Avoid takeout food packaging or take food out of packaging as quickly as possible. • Bring your own reusable containers to buffets, salad bars and restaurants for leftover. • Ask your water supplier to test for PFAS.

Tips for consumers

Avoid stain, water, and oil repellent products.
Use cast iron or stainless steel instead of Teflon coated cookware.
Avoid takeout food packaging or take food out of packaging as quickly as possible.
Bring your own reusable containers to buffets, salad bars and restaurants for leftover.
Ask your water supplier to test for PFAS.