PFAS has been making headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. These toxic forever chemicals are everywhere in the environment. And they are incredibly hard to eradicate. As a result, a huge proportion of households are exposed to high levels of PFAS every time they use the water in their homes. Here, we explain why you should get your water tested for PFAS and what you can do if you find high levels.
What is PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a family of manmade chemicals. These “forever chemicals” have been extensively used for decades. They are what makes cookware nonstick, clothing breathable and waterproof, furniture stain resistant, and fast food packaging greaseproof. But they are used in all sorts of other applications too, making them one of the most ubiquitous groups of chemicals out there. So, why all the negative headlines? In a nutshell, because PFAS may well end up dwarfing all other health scandals.
Why are PFAS called forever chemicals?
The term “forever chemicals” was likely coined a few years ago. It reflects the fact that these chemicals are very resistant to breaking down in the environment. In many cases, it can take decades for them to completely break down. As a result, the level of environmental pollution tends to steadily rise. More worryingly, PFAS also takes a significant time to break down in the human body. That, coupled with their long-term toxicity, makes them a real cause for concern.
Why should you worry about PFAS?
PFAS have been linked to a wide range of different health conditions, with more evidence emerging every day. These chemicals have been shown to cause:
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney disease
- Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Thyroid disease
- Immuno-suppression and reduced vaccine response
- Premature birth and reduced birth weight
But there are many other potential problems that may be linked with PFAS. The complicating factor is that almost every person in America has at least some PFAS in their body. As with many other compounds, it seems that there is a critical level above which you should start to worry. The National Academies (NASEM) did a large-scale study to determine potential safe levels for a set of around 10 PFAS compounds. Theirs is currently the only official guideline for PFAS safety.
What are the most common ways to be exposed to PFAS?
As we mentioned above, PFAS is used in all sorts of different applications. It is also known to be absorbed by ingestion, through mucous membranes and the lungs, and even through the skin. So, where are you being exposed to these nasty chemicals?
PFAS in your water supply
PFAS is so widespread that most natural water supplies are contaminated with it. For instance, last year researchers showed that all water in the Great Lakes Basin had PFAS contamination. PFAS was even falling out of the sky when it rained!
As a result, the most likely way for you to get exposed to PFAS is through your drinking water. Obviously, water treatment can help remove some PFAS, but estimates are that 100M people in the US are exposed to excessive PFAS in their drinking water at home. And that’s just the water provided by utilities. Millions of people rely on private wells for their water, and these are very often polluted too. Additionally, researchers have found PFAS in many bottled water samples they tested.
Other ways to get exposed
There are many other routes of exposure, depending on factors such as your job, your lifestyle, and your surroundings. Here are a few other common ones:
- Non-stick pans: Using cookware that is coated with PFAS. Most non-stick pans are made with PFAS. When the pan is scratched, PFAS gets into whatever is being cooked.
- Outdoor clothing: Most “breathable” waterproofs are made with membranes containing PFAS and are coated with PFAS to add to their water-repellancy.
- Fast food: Many types of fast-food packaging are coated with PFAS to make them water or grease-proof.
- Furnishings and carpets: Stain resistant carpets and soft furnishings are coated with PFAS. This can get into the air as dust and then gets into your body.
What can you do about this?
If your water contains PFAS you should fit high persmornamce water filters. Then you should consider getting yourself tested for the most common PFAS compounds. You also need to identify other likely sources of PFAS in your home.Then get these tested too and start taking steps to reduce your exposure. PFAS testing has come a long way in recent years. Nowadays you can get almost anything tested including water, fabrics, and even your own blood. Check out our home PFAS testing products for more information.
