PFAS are chemicals that have been commonly used in various industrial processes and products for many decades. These substances have desirable properties, such as being heat resistant and waterproof. They can be found in stain-resistant fabrics, non-stick frying pans, fast food packaging, and fire-fighting foams used by military bases, airports, and fire departments. In some cases, PFAS exposure has been linked to adverse health effects including increased risk of cancer, liver disease, and other conditions.
The public has become increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure which has resulted in governments taking action on regulating their use. In this article, we look at what PFAS are, how you can protect yourself from exposure to these chemicals if you’re concerned about your risk and where you can find out more information about them.
What is PFAS?
PFAS are a group of chemicals that are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and products, including stain-resistant fabrics, non-stick frying pans, fast food packaging, fire-fighting foams used by military bases, airports, and fire departments, and more. They’ve been commonly used since the 1950s and are found in many household items and food packaging. While they may help prevent food from sticking to pots and pans, they can be harmful to your health.
The term “PFAS” refers to a large group of related chemicals. PFAS are similar to other man-made chemicals found in household products like pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and fire retardants. The substances in this group vary in chemical makeup and properties, but they have one thing in common: They are extremely resistant to breaking down in the environment.
How are PFAS used and where do they come from?
PFAS have been used in commercial and industrial processes for many years as they have desirable properties, such as being heat resistant and waterproof, as well as being able to repel water and organic solvents. Some of the uses of PFAS include:
Non-stick frying pans – These are the most well-known application of PFAS. They are found in the coating of non-stick pans and are used to prevent food from sticking to the pan. Some are also used to manufacture other household and industrial materials, such as fabric and stain-resistant carpets.
Stain-resistant fabrics – These are used in clothing, such as uniforms and workwear, as well as furniture and carpets.
Water- and oil-repellent sprays – These are used in a wide variety of products, such as paper, construction materials, carpets, and fabrics.
Fire-fighting foams – These are used by military bases, airports and fire departments.
Paper and cardboard food packaging – Some PFAS are used in paper and cardboard food packaging, like fast food wrappers.
Agricultural chemicals – Some PFAS are used as fertilizer and pesticide components.
Health risks of PFAS
There are many different types of PFAS chemicals and their effect on human health depends on their chemical makeup. For example, PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS are three of the most commonly discussed PFAS. While most research has focused on these three, in particular, many other types of PFAS are less researched.
Some studies have linked PFAS exposure to potential adverse health effects including increased risk of cancer, liver disease, and other conditions. However, more research is needed to confirm if there is a causal relationship between PFAS and health effects. The risk of adverse health effects is lower for people who are exposed to PFAS at low levels. But we don’t know for certain what level of PFAS exposure is considered safe for people. Additionally, not all PFAS break down completely in the environment, so they may continue to be a potential source of exposure for years or even decades.
Where you can find out more information about PFAS chemicals
There are many different types of PFAS chemicals. Some of the most commonly discussed ones are PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. PFOS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that contain the chemical perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been commonly used since the 1950s in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. PFOS is used in commercial and industrial processes, including in non-stick frying pans, water- and oil-repellent sprays, fire-fighting foams, paper and cardboard food packaging, and dyeing textiles.
PFOA: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a chemical that has been used in many industrial applications, including in the manufacture of some non-stick cookware, in the fire-fighting foam used by military bases, airports, and fire departments, as a surfactant in the production of paper and textiles, as an emulsifying agent in the production of certain types of coatings and the manufacturing of polymers and synthetic rubbers.
PFHxS: Perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) is a synthetic perfluorinated carboxylic acid used in the production of fluoropolymers, i.e. polymers derived from fluorinated monomers. It is also used in the production of paper, textile dyeing, and as a surfactant in the production of emulsifying agents.
3 Steps to protect yourself from potential PFAS exposure
If you are concerned about possible PFAS exposure, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Avoid processed and fast food – Some food packaging is known to contain PFAS. It’s best to avoid eating out as much as possible, especially when it comes to fast food. This is because it is more likely to be served in packaging that contains PFAS.
Reduce your use of non-stick cookware – Avoid using non-stick cookware as much as possible, as well as other products that may contain PFAS like stain-resistant fabrics.
Wash your clothes regularly – This is especially important for workwear, uniforms, and other items that have been treated with PFAS.
Protect your house and yard – Avoid potential sources of PFAS exposure that can enter your home, such as fire-fighting foam.
Conclusion
The uses and applications of PFAS have been well-known for many years. The substances in this group are extremely resistant to breaking down in the environment and are used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial processes, including in non-stick frying pans, water- and oil-repellent sprays, fire-fighting foams, paper and cardboard food packaging, and dyeing textiles. While PFAS are useful in many applications and can provide benefits, there are certain potential health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals.
The risk of adverse health effects is lower for people who are exposed to PFAS at low levels. However, we don’t know for certain what level of PFAS exposure is considered safe for people. Additionally, these chemicals don’t break down completely in the environment, so they may continue to be a potential source of exposure for years or even decades.
