May 21, 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency has released the fourth round of public water system testing data for the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, as required by its Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, or UCMR 5. The data reveal 1,593 sites have detectable levels of PFAS. The results highlight the sheer scale of the PFAS problem in the U.S. They build on EWG’s landmark PFAS contamination map.
PFAS are a group of thousands of highly toxic fluorinated chemicals used in numerous consumer and industrial products because of their nonstick and stain-resistance qualities. This group of synthetic chemicals are resistant to grease, water, heat, and oil. Also called “forever chemicals”, PFAS have been used in products worldwide since 1940s. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are the two most well studied amongst the many types.
During production and use, PFAS can migrate into the soil, water, and air. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world. Most PFAS can build up in people and animals with repeated exposure over time.
It has been shown that this build up of forever chemicals can cause health aversions.
How are PFAS being consumed most commonly?
Though there are many ways a person can be exposed to PFAS, some of the most common include drinking municipal water, using stain and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, fire-fighting foams, non-stick cookware, food packaging, food processing equipment like plastic cutting boards, baking sheets, and air fryers. More examples include fast food containers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, candy wrappers. They can also be found in shampoos, dental floss, and makeup.
What We Know about Health Effects
Recent studies reviewed by scientific peers have demonstrated that exposure to certain levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) may lead to various health issues:
Reproductive Effects: Research indicates that PFAS exposure can negatively affect fertility, leading to decreased fertility rates. Additionally, it can contribute to higher instances of hypertension (high blood pressure) in pregnant women, which poses risks to both mother and child.
Developmental Effects in Children: Children exposed to PFAS may experience developmental delays or abnormalities such as low birth weight, which can affect their overall growth and health. Other issues include entering puberty earlier than typical, variations in bone development, or behavioral changes, which could impact their social interactions and learning.
Cancer Risk Increase: There is an associated increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers. Studies suggest that PFAS may contribute to cancer development by disrupting cellular processes or damaging genetic material.
Immune System Impact: PFAS exposure can weaken the immune system’s effectiveness, making it harder for the body to combat infections. This includes a diminished response to vaccines, which rely on the immune system to create a protective defense against diseases.
Hormonal Interference: These substances can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which regulates hormones responsible for a wide range of bodily functions, from growth and metabolism to mood regulation.
Cholesterol and Obesity: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to higher cholesterol levels, a known risk factor for heart disease. It may also increase the risk of obesity, further exacerbating health problems related to weight management and metabolic health.
How can I avoid consuming PFAS?
Though it is virtually impossible to completely avoid all PFAS, there are steps you can take to attempt to decrease your consumption of these chemicals. The EPA suggests reaching out to your local water utility to understand what they are doing to protect your community from forever chemicals in the public drinking water. You can also ask them to test the water for PFAS, and if they have already done so, request to see the results. To take matters into your own hands, you can also install a filtration system in your home. The EPA website has a link to all certified water treatments that will lower the amount of PFAS. Though there has been a significant decrease in consumer products being made with PFAS, they still can be found in some everyday household items. You can reduce your risk of exposure by being mindful of the products you bring into your home.
The information we now have on “forever chemicals” paints a concerning picture of how they have infiltrated our daily lives from food packaging and air fryers to water-resistant fabrics. Their long lasting presence in the environment and in our bodies raises significant health concerns. While the ubiquity of PFAS might seem daunting, there are steps we can take to minimize our exposure. By staying informed, vigilant, and advocating for stronger regulations, we can work towards reducing the impact of these pervasive chemicals.
As consumers, we have the power to make a difference. Together, we can demand that our local, state and federal elected officials put pressure on the EPA, the FDA and other federal agencies to focus their attention and resources on studying these toxic chemicals and protect our health.
Check your tap water quality by using this resource.
Researched by Lauren Lovato and Katerina Belik
