You may be seeing increasing mentions of PFAS or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in health articles these days. Here is a science article which explains these in great detail:
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc
Exposure to these PFAS is associated with certain cancers such as kidney, testicular and potentially prostate as well. Here is a summary for you as PFAS are an issue because of the following:
1. Persistence in the Environment
- PFAS do not break down easily in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
- They accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, leading to long-term exposure risks.
2. Bioaccumulation in the Body
- Once ingested, PFAS can accumulate in the body over time because they are not easily metabolized or excreted.
- This buildup can lead to chronic health effects even at low exposure levels.
3. Health Risks
PFAS exposure has been associated with several adverse health effects, including:
- Cancer: Studies have linked PFAS to increased risks of kidney and testicular cancer.
- Hormonal Disruption: PFAS can interfere with endocrine functions, affecting growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
- Immune System Suppression: Exposure may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and lower the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Liver Damage: PFAS can cause liver damage and alter cholesterol levels.
- Developmental Effects: In children, PFAS may impair growth, learning, and behavior.
- Thyroid Issues: PFAS can disrupt thyroid hormone production, affecting metabolism and energy levels.
4. Widespread Exposure
- PFAS are found in drinking water, food packaging, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and personal care products.
- Their widespread use has led to contamination of water supplies and ecosystems globally.
5. Regulatory Challenges
- Due to their chemical stability and resistance to degradation, removing PFAS from water and soil is expensive and technically challenging.
- The lack of universal regulatory limits exacerbates the problem.
You can minimise your exposure to these chemicals by:
- Using PFAS-free cookware and food packaging.
- Avoiding stain-resistant and water-repellent treatments on clothing and furniture.
- Testing and treating drinking water for PFAS if contamination is suspected – try to filter all your water; boiling can help as well.
- Supporting regulations to limit PFAS use and improve cleanup efforts by raising awareness.
What is just as scary is the fact that these chemicals are also associated with childhood developmental effects or delays, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes. The have been detected in polar bears which just shows you how far the problem goes beyond our homes.
I’m going to slowly go through my kitchen removing all the plastics and replacing the non stick with ceramic pans; perhaps it’s a good thing that it’s Black Friday at the moment….
