PFAs Are Ubiquitous—Here’s How to Minimize Your Contact with These Persistent Chemicals

Innovations such as leak-proof food containers, water-repellent apparel, and nonstick kitchenware have undoubtedly simplified contemporary living. Yet, like many groundbreaking inventions, these conveniences come with unintended consequences, with the presence of ‘forever chemicals’ being one of the most alarming.

If you’re unfamiliar with these infamous chemical compounds, it’s only a matter of time before you encounter them, as their widespread presence and potential health risks are gaining significant public attention. Fortunately, this awareness is prompting governments at all levels to implement measures aimed at reducing exposure to these persistent chemicals nationwide. Continue reading to learn more about what forever chemicals are, their common sources, their effects on health, and practical steps to avoid them.

What Are Forever Chemicals?

The term ‘forever chemicals’ refers to per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances, commonly abbreviated as PFAS. “PFAS are a broad category of chemical compounds containing fluorine and carbon atoms. Their unique molecular structure makes them highly resistant to degradation, allowing them to linger in the environment indefinitely,” explains Jennifer Freeman, Ph.D., a Professor of Toxicology at Purdue University’s School of Health Sciences. Her research focuses on the health impacts of environmental chemical exposures, including PFAS. 

This persistence is why PFAS are dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ and have been identified in numerous environmental and biological samples worldwide. Scientists have cataloged more than 15,000 PFAS compounds, finding them in rainwater, air, soil, everyday products, and even certain food items.

“PFAS are widely utilized in consumer goods and industrial applications due to their ability to repel stains, water, grease, and heat,” Freeman notes. “Some of the most recognizable PFAS are found in products like Teflon, Scotchgard, and GoreTex.” However, these well-known examples represent only a fraction of the many places these chemicals can be found in daily life.

Where Are Forever Chemicals Found?

Beyond nonstick cookware, PFAS are also used in various food packaging to prevent sticking and resist water and grease leakage. Examples include fast food wrappers, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, and a significant portion of plastic food and beverage containers. Unfortunately, studies have shown that PFAS can migrate from these materials into the food we consume.

“PFAS have also been detected in pesticides and agricultural bioproducts, which can lead to contamination of drinking water sources and food supplies,” Freeman explains. Furthermore, water sources, including those used for drinking, can be polluted by forever chemicals from firefighting foam and industrial waste. “These practices have also caused elevated PFAS levels in water bodies like lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers, which can then enter aquatic organisms such as fish,” she adds.

However, food and water aren’t the only pathways for these persistent chemicals to enter our lives. Due to their use in water-resistant fabrics, PFAS can be found in waterproof clothing, carpets, and even furniture. “They’re also commonly present in cosmetics, shampoos, cleaning products, feminine hygiene items, and adhesives,” Freeman notes. 

How Do Forever Chemicals Impact Our Health?

The health risks associated with forever chemicals are equally alarming. “Recent large-scale human studies have linked certain PFAS to thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, liver damage, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, weakened vaccine response, delayed mammary gland development, reduced fertility, and in children, lower birth weight, stunted growth, and other developmental problems,” Freeman states.

Exposure to forever chemicals may also disrupt endocrine, metabolic, and immune functions. However, ongoing research aims to identify which specific PFAS chemicals are linked to particular health issues. “Considering the vast number of PFAS, this poses a significant public health challenge,” Freeman explains. Moreover, due to their toxicity, these chemicals also threaten natural ecosystems and wildlife globally.

Reducing Forever Chemicals at Home

While the situation may seem dire, there are practical steps you can take to minimize your exposure to forever chemicals. “Consumers can make a substantial difference by selecting PFAS-free products,” Freeman highlights.

For water, consider using glass bottles or installing a PFAS-removing water filter at home. “Additionally, in spring 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the first regulatory limits for PFAS in drinking water, requiring specific PFAS chemicals to be monitored and kept within set levels,” Freeman adds. You can check your local drinking water’s PFAS levels using tools like the United States Geological Survey (USGS) PFAS in US Tap Water Interactive Dashboard.

When it comes to food, consider replacing nonstick cookware with alternatives like stainless steel, cast iron, enamel, or PFAS-free nonstick options. Reducing consumption of fast food, microwave popcorn, and plastic-packaged foods can also help lower your exposure.

To reduce exposure to forever chemicals at home, avoid buying stain-resistant or water-repellent clothing, coatings, and carpets. “Whenever possible, opt for cosmetics and personal care products that do not contain fluoro-based ingredients,” Freeman advises.

The Bottom Line

Although harmful forever chemicals are widespread, we are beginning to witness the benefits of both individual and governmental efforts. “Recent initiatives to eliminate PFAS from certain products have successfully reduced PFAS levels in human blood, indicating a decrease in overall exposure,” Freeman states.

Moreover, state-led educational campaigns and resources, such as the Massachusetts PFAS-free Buying Guide, are emerging across the country to help consumers make better-informed decisions. “State agencies and researchers are also identifying high-risk water sources and issuing fish consumption advisories for affected areas,” Freeman adds. These encouraging developments highlight the power of collective action in mitigating the impact of forever chemicals on both personal and community health.