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Why are PFAS Called “Forever Chemicals?”
PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their extreme persistence in the environment. Some PFAS can take more than 1000 years to degrade. This is a problem because very small doses of PFAS increase the risk of severe health problems including kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, high cholesterol, and immunosuppression.
Related Article: PFAS Exposure Lawsuit Update
How are People Exposed to PFAS?
PFAS have been found in the soil, air, and water. People are exposed by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS.
One study by the U.S. CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [1.] found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans. Another report by the CDC suggested that blood levels of PFOS and PFOA in people have decreased since the chemicals were removed from consumer products in the early 2000s; however, new PFAS chemicals have been introduced and exposure to them is difficult to assess.
What Replaced PFOA and PFOS?
The U.S. Government has banned PFOA and PFOS and replaced them with similar, but slightly modified chemicals. While scientists have not studied each of the more than 9,000 PFAS that have been created, the chemicals that have been studied have been found to have similar properties to PFOA and PFOS. They are persistent, mobile, and toxic at very low doses, often acting in similar ways as the chemicals they were designed to replace.
Where are PFAS Most Commonly Found?
Products that contain PFAS may include:
- Firefighting foam
- Fast food containers/wrappers
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Pizza boxes
- Candy wrappers
- Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
- Water-resistant clothing
- Cleaning products
- Personal care products
- Shampoo
- Dental floss
- Cosmetic Products
- Nail polish
- Eye makeup
- Paints, varnishes, and sealants
Related Article: Household Products That Contain PFAS
Does the FDA Regulate PFAS?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized certain PFAS for use in specific food contact applications such as cookware, food packaging, and in food processing for their non-stick and grease, oil, and water-resistant properties.
To ensure that PFAS-containing products are safe for their intended use, the FDA conducts a rigorous review of scientific data prior to their authorization for market entry. The FDA’s authorization of a food contact substance requires that available data and information demonstrate that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm under the intended conditions of use.
FAQs
What industries are the primary sources of PFAS contamination?
The primary sources of PFAS contamination are industries involved in manufacturing non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, food packaging, firefighting foams, and electronics. These industries release PFAS into the environment through waste disposal, emissions, and product usage.
Can PFAS be released into the environment through consumer products?
Yes, PFAS can be released into the environment through the degradation and disposal of consumer products such as non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, and stain-resistant carpets. These products can leach PFAS into soil, water, and air over time.
How do PFAS chemicals enter the water supply?
PFAS chemicals enter the water supply through industrial discharge, landfill leachate, sewage treatment plant effluents, and runoff from sites where PFAS-containing products have been used, such as airports and military bases with firefighting foam applications.
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