They can be found in makeup, dental floss, menstrual products, nonstick pans, takeout food wrappers, rain jackets, firefighting equipment, pesticides, artificial turf on sports fields, and even in our water.
These chemicals are known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are also referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their long-lasting nature, with bonds that don’t break down for hundreds to thousands of years.
A recent study of over 45,000 water samples globally revealed that about 31 percent of groundwater samples and 16 percent of surface water samples showed harmful levels of PFAS, even in areas not near obvious sources of contamination.
The findings of this study, published in Nature Geoscience, raise concerns about the long-term impacts of PFAS and other chemicals on human health and the environment.
Some PFAS chemicals have been associated with various health issues, including high cholesterol, liver damage, immune system damage, hypertension, pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, and certain types of cancer.
The E.P.A. is considering implementing stricter drinking water limits for PFAS, with proposed rules expected to be announced soon.
Research on PFAS contamination gathered data from nearly 300 studies over the past two decades, highlighting high concentrations of PFAS in water samples from countries like the United States and Australia.
Despite potential biases in the study, it is believed that PFAS contamination is widespread globally, with high levels often found near facilities like airports and military bases.
Efforts to regulate PFAS contamination are crucial, with proposed drinking water rules aiming to reduce PFAS levels in water to near zero.
While treating drinking water is important, addressing the use of PFAS in various products is also essential to prevent further contamination of the environment and wildlife.
Ultimately, the goal is to limit the use of PFAS and transition to safer alternatives in various industries like clothing, fast food packaging, and firefighting equipment.
It is important to be mindful of what we introduce into the environment to prevent further contamination and protect human health.
