PFAS chemicals are found in the blood of 95% of Americans and are toxic at extremely low levels (one part per trillion). What are they, what do they do to us, and how can we avoid them?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) belong to a group of around 5,000 man-made chemicals whose most common names are PFOA (aka C8 because of its eight carbons), PFOS, PFHxS, and Gen X (which has six carbons and is being touted as a “safer” alternative).
They bioaccumulate in the human body and are found in water-resistant clothing, stain resistant carpets, non-stick cookware, car seats, coatings in food packaging and pizza boxes, and firefighting foam.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), PFAS chemicals increase the risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women, of higher cholesterol levels, of testicular and kidney cancers, and of decreased vaccine response in children.
The chemical bond between the fluorine and carbon is incredibly strong. That makes them resistant to grease and water – but the downside is they are difficult to break down in our environment.
We are mainly exposed through food and water. Some private wells and municipal water wells have high levels. When streams and lakes are contaminated, fish from these waters contain high levels.
Some gets into food from packaging – from coated pizza boxes and fast food wrappers. And food grown in contaminated soil can have elevated levels too.
Children, infants and the developing fetuses are at a far greater health risk because they drink more water in proportion to their body weight. Also, their brains and organs are developing more rapidly – and they have a longer life ahead of them for the chemicals to accumulate.
Infants fed milk formula mixed with PFAS-contaminated water are at the highest risk of exposure from water, for two reasons. First, formula makes up 100% of their diet. Second, infants ingest a higher concentration of chemicals in relation to their body size. And because of the mother’s own exposure, PFAS are also found in breastmilk. So once again, face the brunt of exposure to toxic chemicals.
In May 2016, the US Environmental Protection Agency issued a drinking water advisory for PFOA and PFOS (the two most common PFAS) at 70 ppt (parts per trillion). However, many authorities think that level is too high for public safety, and the states of New Jersey, Minnesota and Vermont have taken the lead in setting more stringent levels of their own.
Minnesota’s new guidelines are based upon PFAS levels in women of childbearing age and the placental and breastmilk transfer to their offspring.
So now you are likely asking “What can I do to protect myself and my children?” Since drinking water is a primary source of exposure, consider filtering your water. Reverse osmosis and two-stage filters remove 94% of the PFAS. Carbon filters, which should be replaced regularly, remove about 75%.
The real solution is to get these “forever” chemicals out of the environment. Only recently, because of pressure by environmental health groups, McDonald’s has committed to remove PFAS from their food containers. Many carpet manufacturers have removed them from carpets. Try avoiding products that are “stain-proof.”
People ask “Should I throw out my Teflon pans?” The answer that two chemists have given to me is “NO.” In your home, so long as your pan is in good repair, PFAS does not leech into the food because it is a stable polymer. BUT if your Teflon pan is scratched or damaged, then you will swallow PFAS, so that is when to get rid of it! The real danger in Teflon is in its production and the exposure of workers. So don’t buy any more Teflon products…
Stay informed about your community – and advocate for policies in your community. In my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, just one informed citizen was the driving force for the testing of our municipal wells (which is not required under the Clean Drinking Water Act).
As a result of the high levels found through testing of all the municipal wells, a water well was closed. Tyco Fire Protection Products (“Tyco”), a division of Johnson Controls, makes the firefighting foam (PFHxS) that contaminated many private wells in Marinette county. There have been local reports of a rise in cancers. And families have been forced to use bottled water. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is involved, to hold Tyco responsible for the clean-up. And in January Tyco reached a $17.5 million settlement with local residents.
To learn more about PFAS, I recommend the documentary “The Devil We Know” or the Netflix movie called “Dark Waters.”
I also invite you to the Wisconsin Environmental Health annual conference. Dr. Linda Birnbaum, former head of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, will speak about PFAS on Feb 25, 2021. Go to our website at https://www.wehnonline.org/