By now, most people have heard about PFAS chemicals. PFAS looks set to become the 21st century’s equivalent to the asbestos health scandal. You can tell when something like this is big when manufacturers start mentioning it on their packaging. In the past decade claims that products are “PFAS free” have become almost ubiquitous in some sectors. So, what is PFAS, and where are the strangest places it has been found?
Background
PFAS isn’t a single compound, despite often being spoken of in those terms. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances, which are a whole family of chemicals that have been used since the middle of the last century thanks to their useful characteristics. If you bought something labeled as grease-proof, stain resistant, or waterproof, chances are it had some sort of PFAS coating. So, what are some of the more weird places PFAS has been found?
The 10 weirdest places PFAS has been found
Here is our top 10 of the kookiest places people have reported PFAS. Some of these really will blow your mind, and might make you rethink your choices when you next go shopping.
1. Feminine hygiene products
Many feminine hygiene products have been reported as containing PFAS compounds. This includes well-known brands, and affects a wide range of such products, including pads, tampons, and underwear.
2. Contraceptives and lubricants
Some brands of contraceptives and lubricants have been found to contain PFAS. Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising, since PTFE and related products are widely used in many different lubrication applications!
3. Cosmetics
PFAS are often used in cosmetic products including foundations, concealers, mascara, and lipstick. All too often, the products aren’t actually labeled, so it can be extremely hard to identify which products do or don’t contain PFAS. But as an example, one study found that 82% of waterproof mascara contained PFAS as did 63% of foundations.
4. Paper cups
You probably guessed that many plastic cups have PFAS in them. But did you know that almost all paper cups contain PFAS too? That’s because the thin waterproof coating on the inside is almost always made with PFAS-containing plastic.
5. Baby formula
Yes you read that right. PFAS has been found in baby formula. Given the links between PFAS and developmental disorders, that’s a bit scary. But scarier still, other researchers have proved that PFAS can pass through the amniotic membrane.
6. Carpets
Many carpets are treated to be stain-resistant. The manufacturers market this as a time and effort-saving feature. After all, it means the carpet needs to be washed less often and helps keep it clean. Sadly, pretty much all stain-resistant coatings are in fact based on PFAS. Even many that are marketed as PFAS-free may contain chemicals that are so similar as to make no difference.
7. Artificial turf playing fields
Many little league, college, and professional sports grounds use artificial turf. After all, it’s durable, doesn’t rely on good weather to grow, and can be used in most weather conditions. Increasingly, home owners are also turning to synthetic turf for their yards. Trouble is it mostly contains PFAS, for much the same reason as carpets.
8. Rain and snow
Yep, PFAS is actually falling out of the skies now! A study released earlier this year found that PFAS is endemic across the Great Lakes region. And the most shocking finding was that it is even found in almost all precipitation samples. Indeed, it seems to be the primary source of PFAS contamination in the Great Lakes themselves.
9. Medical equipment
Disposable syringes, oxygen masks, and the like have revolutionized healthcare over the past 40 years. But all too often, such equipment is coated with PFAS to make it waterproof, non-stick, or stain resistant. Moreover, many pieces of diagnostic equipment such as endoscopes rely on PFAS coatings and lubricants.
10. Bandages and gauzes
Our final category sticks with the medical theme. But this time in a more domestic context. PFAS has been found in many popular brands of bandages and sticking gauzes, including the eponymous Band Aid. Here, it is usually used for its non-adhesion properties, to prevent the product from sticking to wounds.
So, what’s next?
We’re sure there are dozens of other crazy and unexpected uses for PFAS. After all, they were once viewed as wonder chemicals to be used in almost every product and application imaginable. If you are worried about how much PFAS is in your body, you should consider buying a PFAS blood test like the one we sell. This will help you understand your current levels and to keep monitoring them over time.
