PFAS: Decoding The Science And Impact Of The Chemicals That Wont Go Away

PFAS . You might have heard this term tossed around in news articles or environmental reports, but what exactly are PFAS? PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries since the 1940s.

PFAS are everywhere – and we mean, everywhere. They’re in the non-stick cookware you use to fry an egg, the waterproof jacket you wear on rainy days, and even in some of the food packaging you toss in the trash.

These chemicals are used because they resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Their resistance to breakdown means they stick around in the environment and living organisms for a very long time. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” for this reason.

PFAS Type	Common Sources
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid):	Non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, and fire-fighting foams
PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid)	Fire-fighting foams, industrial surfactants, carpet and fabric protectors, food packaging
PFNA (Perfluorononanoic Acid)	Food packaging, non-stick cookware, and industrial processes
PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid)	Fire-fighting foams, some industrial applications
PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid)	Fire-fighting foams, stain-resistant coatings for furniture and carpets, cleaning products

These PFAS types are just a few among many, but they are among the most commonly encountered in everyday products and industrial applications. Their widespread use has led to concerns about environmental and health impacts.

PFAS have been found in water sources, soil, and even in the air. What’s more, they accumulate in the bodies of animals and humans, leading to potential health risks. Studies have linked long-term exposure to certain PFAS to health problems like increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women, and even certain cancers.

PFAS are composed of a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms . It so happens that the bond between carbon and fluorine is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, which explains why these chemicals don’t degrade easily.

Regulations and controversies

Given the concerns, you might wonder, “Aren’t these chemicals regulated?” Well, it’s complicated. Different countries have different regulations regarding PFAS. In the US, for instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on guidelines and limits for PFAS in drinking water, but it’s a work in progress. The challenge is balancing the usefulness of these chemicals against their potential harm.

Alternatives and solutions: PFAS-free products

So, what can we do? First off, scientists and industries are researching alternatives to PFAS that are less harmful. In your daily life, you can opt for PFAS-free products. Check labels and do a bit of research before buying household goods. It’s about making informed choices.

Here is a short list of various PFAS-free products across different categories:

Dental Floss:

● Coco Floss (All Products)
● Dental Lace (All Products)
● Dr. Tung’s (Smart Floss and Activated Charcoal Floss)
● Desert Essence (Tea Tree Oil Dental Tape)
● Hello Products (All Floss)
● Johnson & Johnson’s Listerine and Reach Products
● Oral-B (Satin Floss Mint and Deep Clean Ultra Mint)
● Radius Floss (All Products)
● Rite-Aid (Premium Waxed Mint)
● Tom’s of Maine (Antiplaque Spearmint)

Menstrual Products:

● Aisle (All Products)
● Rael (All Products)
● Saalt (All Products)

Baby Products (Strollers and Car Seats):

● Bumbleride (All Strollers)
● Britax (SafeWash Emblem Convertible, SafeWash B Safe Gen 2)
● Chicco (Cleartex Line)
● Clek Fllo (Mammoth Liing Infant, Railroad Liing Infant)
● Maxi-Cosi (PureCosi Mico 30 Infant, Pria Max All-in-One)
● Nuna (Pipa Infant)
● UPPAbaby (Jordan KNOX Convertible)

Furniture:

● IKEA (All Products)
● HermanMiller (Select Products)
● Maharam (Select Products)
● Naturepedic (All Products)
● PlushBeds (All Products)

Foodware:

● Chick-Fil-A (All Food Contact Materials)
● Rite Aid (All Food Contact Materials)
● Always Pan, Blue Diamond, BK, Caraway, GreenChef, GreenLife, GreenPan (All Products)
● Bambu (Veneerware)
● BPI’s and CEH’s Database of Single-Use Foodservice Ware Products
● Emerald Brand, Envoy Solutions, Metsä Board, Pactiv, Pixelle Specialty Solutions (Select Products)

Carpet and Rugs:

● Engineered Floors, Interface, Shaw, Tarkett (All Products)
● Home Depot, Lowe’s (Carpets and Rugs)

This table provides a diverse range of PFAS-free options across various product categories, reflecting a growing trend towards safer and more environmentally-friendly alternatives. For the complete list of PFAS-free products see here.

The science community is actively studying PFAS to understand their impact better. This research is crucial in developing effective regulations and finding safer alternatives. As a consumer, staying informed about these developments is key.

The useful properties of PFAS have made them ubiquitous in modern life, but their persistence and potential health impacts are concerning. By staying informed and making conscious choices, we can navigate this challenge responsibly to keep ourselves and our younger generations healthy.

Glossary

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): A group of man-made chemicals used in various industries, known for their resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.

Carbon and Fluorine Atoms: Basic elements of chemistry; in PFAS, these atoms form a strong bond that makes these substances durable and persistent.

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid): A specific type of PFAS that has been widely studied for its environmental and health impacts.

PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid): Another specific type of PFAS, known for its presence in various consumer products and industrial applications.