The Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] issued a new advisory last week warning that even small amounts of PFAS chemicals in drinking water could pose risks.
Scientists are discovering PFAS all over the place. These pollutants seep into soil, water, and air when products like these end up in landfills. This is how PFAS end up in our food, wildlife, or even our bloodstream.
How can we navigate in a world full of harmful chemicals?
Arlene Blum, a biophysical chemist, is the executive director at the Green Science Policy Institute. She spends a lot time educating the public on PFAS, as well as members of Congress.
She explains what PFAS are and why they are a problem.
Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances is an acronym for “per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances” PFAS is a group of thousands of manmade chemicals that has been around since 1940.
As the name suggests, “forever chemicals”, are around for a very long time. They don’t dissolve, leading to widespread contamination.
To make products resist oil, heat, stain or water, manufacturers use PFAS. According to the CDC, they are used in cosmetics, outdoor gear, food wrappers and many other products.
Blum claims that PFAS are her favorite because they offer the best and worst.
She said that “they’re the best in that it’s very useful in keeping things dry, keeping grease away from things.” They are the most dangerous because they don’t break down and have been shown to be harmful.
The EPA stated that PFAS are not a danger at low levels in 2016, at 70 parts per trillion. This advisory was just updated by the agency, which has lowered the threshold for “safe” to virtually zero. The EPA stated that PFAS pose still risks at low levels, so they are not being detected.
It’s all a waste of time.
Although scientists are still studying the effects of PFAS chemicals on humans, studies have shown that these chemicals can cause harm to different parts of the body.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS can increase your risk of developing kidney or testicular cancer and may also cause increased cholesterol and damage to your liver and immune system.
A study published in Hypertension also found that PFAS can cause high blood pressure in middle-aged females.
Blum states that while everyone has PFAS, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every person will get them. These side effects can be caused by exposure to these pollutants.
The U.S. government has taken a variety of steps to reduce PFAS pollution at the federal and state levels.
The EPA also announced $1 billion in infrastructure grant funding for PFAS and chemical contaminants. They want to improve public health protections through water testing.
The White House announced in October 2021 that it would be taking steps to protect the environment and communities from PFAS. Eight government agencies, including Food and Drug Administration, were listed by the Biden administration as steps to combat PFAS pollution.
In 2021, several officials gave testimony to a Senate committee about the Department of Defense’s plans for dealing with these chemicals at military sites across the country. According to the DOD it has spent more than $1.5 Billion in PFAS research and cleanup and is trying help those on the frontlines who have been most affected aEUR” such as blood testing for firefighters who are exposed to PFAS in the firefighting foam.
Blum believes that while government regulation will force companies to act, it is also up to the private sector to end using PFAS products.
She said, “Manufacturers are able to move faster than the government.” “But they are definitely moving forward with the possibility of regulation from government.”
Well, that’s complicated.
Blum said that the burden of PFAS should not fall on the consumer. It can be difficult to completely avoid PFAS. Blum stated that it is up to the government and manufacturers to ban or stop the use of these chemicals.
Many companies have committed to removing these compounds from all products, including clothing and fast food. The Green Science Policy institute compiled a list of products that are free from PFAS.
Blum says that PFAS-containing items are safe to use if they’re used correctly. For example, don’t heat nonstick pans. Blum just requests that you find another option when replacing them.
She said, “You can wear your jacket and you can use your pan but don’t buy another [made with PFAS],”
