Protecting Ourselves from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

The National Institute of Environmental Sciences reports PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are often called "forever chemicals" because they are close to indestructible. Of the nearly 5,000 types, most have not been studied for health effects. But those studied have been linked to harmful effects, including decreased fertility, hormonal changes, high cholesterol levels, weakened immune system response, increased risk for certain cancers, and low birth weight in infants.

"PFAS molecules are made up of a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade in the environment. In fact, scientists are unable to estimate an environmental half-life for PFAS, which is the amount of time it takes 50% of the chemical to disappear." PFAS, a large, complex, and ever-expanding group of manufactured chemicals are widely used to make various types of everyday products. Examples: Teflon keeps food from sticking to cookware; clothes and carpets are made resistant to stains; firefighting foam is more effective; various types of packaging keep grease and oil from seeping through (think burger boxes, wrappers, disposable bowls, and bags for French fries, sides, and desserts). Direct migration from packaging to food is one possible means of exposure. PFAS are used in many cosmetics and in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, and military.

One report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans. A more recent NHANES report suggested a reduction in blood levels of PFOS and PFOA since their removal from consumer products in the early 2000s. However, the number of new PFAS chemicals appear to be increasing and exposure is difficult to assess.

Concerns about the public health impact of PFAS: Widespread occurrence. Studies find PFAS in the blood and urine of people, and scientists want to know if they cause health problems. Numerous exposures. PFAS are used in hundreds of products globally, with many opportunities for human exposure. Growing numbers. More than 4,700 PFAS exist, with an increasing number as industry invents new forms of this type of chemical.  Persistent. PFAS remain in the environment for an unknown amount of time and may take years to leave the body. Bioaccumulation. Different PFAS chemicals may enter the food chain in various ways, gradually accumulating and remaining in a body over time-a process due to more intake than excretion of the chemicals. "A new study finding toxic chemicals in 100% of breast milk samples tested was published in Environmental Science & Technology. Scientists from Toxic-Free Future, Indiana University, the University of Washington, and Seattle Children's Research Institute led the research, which shows that toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances)-including new generation compounds currently in use-build up in people."  Interestingly, some research has shown that people who cook at home more often may have lower levels of PFAS in their bodies.

Cosmetics: Certain PFAS are also intentionally added as ingredients in some cosmetic products, including lotions, cleansers, nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara. These PFAS are used in cosmetics to condition and smooth the skin, making it appear shiny, or to affect product consistency and texture. The label of a cosmetic product sold on a retail basis to consumers declares the ingredients in descending order of predominance. Some common PFAS used include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorodecalin, and perfluorohexane.

Bottled water: Some noncarbonated bottled water products sold in the U.S. were tested as part of a new study looking at potential toxic PFAS chemicals. "The study, published in the journal Water Research and led by Johns Hopkins University researchers, detected PFAS substances in 39 out of more than 100 bottled waters tested, in some cases at levels deemed concerning by water quality experts." "The study did not identify which brands were tested. But the researchers did find that bottled waters labeled as "purified," which are typically filtered through reverse osmosis, contained less PFAS overall than "spring" water, which is not filtered using that method."

For more in-depth information;: https://greensciencepolicy.org/resources/consumer-resources/ https://greensciencepoIicy.org/resources/faq/#pfas https://greensciencepoIicy.org/about/contact/ https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm https://saferchemicals.org/get-the-facts Toxic-Free Future, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, Mind the Store campaign, Consumer Reports' Water Safety & Quality Guide. Currently in Congress is

R.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act of 2021. "Unconscionably, there are currently no set federal limits on these harmful chemicals in bottled water, despite their severe health risks," Senator Blumenthal,