PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” are present in our environment and in our bodies. A long-term monitoring study by the CDC indicates that most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS and have PFAS in their blood. Studies show that people in professions with high risk of PFAS exposure have higher blood concentrations of PFAS. This is also true for people living near sites with high PFAS contamination levels. Given the potential negative health impacts of PFAS, how can we limit or reduce our PFAS exposures? This article covers practical, everyday approaches to reduce PFAS exposure, as well as ideas for reducing PFAS risk in specific occupations.
What are PFAS compounds and where are they used?
PFAS compounds are a large group of synthetic (man-made) chemicals that were created due to their desirable properties. It is estimated that there are nearly 15,000 PFAS chemicals going back to the late 1930s and early 1940s, and their use has continued to propagate across all industries. Common uses of PFAS include:
- Water-repellent coatings on raincoats and other outdoor clothing
- Greaseproof coatings on fast food cartons and wrappers
- Stain-resistant coatings on fabrics, carpets, furniture, and shoes
- Non-stick coatings on cookware and bakeware
- Additives in pesticides and other chemicals to increase shelf-life and potency
- Additives in lubricants to reduce friction
As a result of their continued use over many decades, PFAS have been found in all natural environments (soil, water, air), in various animal species, and in humans.
What are the health risks of PFAS to humans, and who should be concerned?
Scientific research on PFAS has shown a range of health issues stemming from high exposure to PFAS, from developmental disorders impacting children to high cholesterol, obesity, immune and hormone dysfunction, and greater risk of cancer in adults. High exposure to PFAS can occur through a variety of occupations including firefighting, construction, airport operations, and textile, chemical, industrial, and automotive manufacturing. Environmental exposures to PFAS are common for those living near contaminated sites, including sites that have high PFAS in the soil and water. In addition, everyday exposures through daily living can contribute to high PFAS levels from PFAS-coated cookware and household products. This means that almost everyone can benefit from learning more about PFAS, their PFAS levels, and how to potentially reduce their risks.
What are some ways to reduce PFAS exposure at home and in the workplace?
We are surrounded by PFAS chemicals, but making small, fairly easy changes can add up to meaningful improvements and reduce your exposure to PFAS. Some immediate ideas to try in your daily living are as follows:
- Eat less fast food and processed foods (many food wrappers and bags, as well as to-go containers and cups, contain PFAS)
- Use metal or glass containers for storing leftovers at home
- Use metal or glass mugs and cups for beverages, instead of single-use cups
- Check if your municipal or well water has high levels of PFAS, and if so, install a water filter that reduces PFAS where possible
- Reduce the use of non-stick pans and cookware, especially if non-stick coatings are scratched or damaged. Stainless steel and cast iron are good alternatives.
- Reduce the use of fabrics and furniture that are treated to be “stain-resistant”
If you are exposed to PFAS at work, it’s important to understand where the risk of exposure is coming from. Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following workplace safety guidelines are a first step to reducing exposure to PFAS. Proper ventilation or air filtration can also help reduce exposure through the air. If possible, work with your employer to reduce the use of PFAS-containing materials in the workplace.
Checking your blood PFAS levels regularly can help
Understanding your PFAS levels is one of the first steps to doing something about the health risks of PFAS exposure. Try implementing some of the ideas on how to reduce PFAS and test periodically to keep track of how changes in your daily living and your work environment contribute to changes in PFAS levels in your body. Relentless Health has developed a new, state-of-the-art minimally-invasive PFAS test which you can take at home. Our test uses a special microsampling device, which only requires a few drops of blood, and the sample is stable enough that it can simply be mailed back to our lab. The panel provides a comprehensive report showing your levels for 18 different PFAS chemicals, and you can test as often as you need to keep track of your PFAS levels over time in our easy-to-use app.
