PFAS: The Forever Chemicals (2023)

FAQs

What products are high in PFAS? ›

The 'forever chemicals' in 99% of Americans

Hundreds of everyday products are made with highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS. They build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment. Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases.

A recent review from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines a host of health effects associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.

PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals used in the manufacture of consumer products, can linger permanently in the air, water and soil, which is why they're often referred to as "forever chemicals."

Not only in makeup, PFASs were also found in sunscreen, shampoo and shaving cream. This includes some children's products including toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoo, and conditioner.

Does bottled water contain PFAS? PFAS have been found in some brands of bottled water. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not put enforceable limits in place yet.

PFAS have contaminated dairy and beef farms in Maine and Michigan, and recent testing from the consumer wellness site Mamavation found evidence of the compounds in organic pasta sauces, canola oils and nut butters. But little is known about how much PFAS Americans are eating.

1. Botulinum toxin. Scientists differ about the relative toxicities of substances, but they seem to agree that botulinum toxin, produced by anaerobic bacteria, is the most toxic substance known. Its LD50 is tiny – at most 1 nanogram per kilogram can kill a human.

How are PFAS excreted from the body? Some PFAS leave the body slowly over time, mostly through urine. People who have kidney disease may not excrete as much PFAS from their body through their urine as healthy individuals. Some PFAS routinely leave the body in blood during menstruation.

Currently, there are no definitive medical procedures that can clear PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from the body, according to the Secretary of the United States Navy. However, the best step you can take is to remove the source of the exposure from your environment.

How do I know if I have PFAS in my body? ›

A blood test for PFAS can tell you what your levels are at the time the blood was drawn, but not whether levels in your body are “safe” or “unsafe.” Most people in the U.S. have measurable amounts of PFAS in their body because PFAS chemicals are commonly used in commercial and industrial products.

Workers involved in making or processing PFAS and PFAS-containing materials are more likely to be exposed than the general population. Workers may be exposed to PFAS by inhaling them, getting them on their skin, and swallowing them, but inhaling them is the most likely route for exposure.

Boiling water will not remove PFAS. While many homes have whole-house water softening or iron filtration systems, sampling data indicate that those systems do NOT remove PFAS.

Filter Your Water

Consumers who learn that their water has high PFAS levels could install reverse osmosis filters, which often work best for removing those compounds, as well as other contaminants.

Both granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) filters can reduce PFAS substances. Both systems provide less water flow than a standard water faucet.

Teflon was the most commonly found ingredient for this class of chemicals, but in all, we identified 13 different PFAS chemicals in nearly 200 products from 28 brands. And it's not just in makeup: PFASs were also found in sunscreen, shampoo and shaving cream…

LDPE does not contain PFAS in the raw material but may contain PFAS cross- contamination from the manufacturing process. LDPE bags (e.g., Ziploc®) that do not come into direct contact with the sample media and do not introduce cross-contamination with samples may be used.

The study concluded that four (yes, only four) bottled water brands have a pH and fluoride level completely safe for your teeth: Fiji, “Just Water,” Deer Park Natural Spring Water, and Evamor.

Does Brita clean PFAS? ›

A new filter cartridge that is compatible with Brita pitchers can remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water.

They're also commonly found in baking supplies, such as parchment paper. And the nonstick coatings on frying pans, crock pots, panini presses, aluminum foil, and more often contain PFAS.

In a recent study conducted by researchers at the DTU National Food Institute in Denmark, PFAS was identified in organic egg yolks. Lower levels were found in eggs from free-range, barn and battery hens. PFAS are thought to bind to the protein in the yolk.

PFAS are often used in grease-proof food wrappers including pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, burger or sandwich wrappers and other take-out containers. PFAS in packaging can leach into food and drink, where they can be ingested.

Among the best known toxic gases are carbon monoxide, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide and phosgene.

That title falls to fluoroantimonic acid – a superacid mixture of antimony pentafluoride and hydrofluoric acid.

PFOS concentrations above the limit of quantification were detected in 50 % of the samples. The highest PFOS concentration detected in any of the beers was 18.4 ng/L, and the highest PFOA concentration was 56.9 ng/L.

What states have the highest PFAS? ›

Michigan has the highest levels of PFAS in the U.S. According to the American Red Cross, “the blood of the average American has 4,300 parts per trillion, or ppt, of PFOS and 1,100 ppt of PFOA.”

There have been no studies linking Ziploc bags to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Ziploc and other sandwich bags are often made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which has been shown not to contain PFAS, but these bags could be contaminated in manufacturing.

Some non-stick cookware may claim to not contain any or certain PFAS. Many of these types of cookware do not provide information about what chemicals are used instead. If you must use non-stick cookware, Green Science Policy Institute has compiled a list of PFAS-free products.

Based on our tests and new academic research that found PFAS widespread in rainwater , EWG scientists now believe PFAS is likely detectable in all major water supplies in the U.S., almost certainly in all that use surface water.

Ban on Food Packaging: This new law bans the entire class of PFAS “forever chemicals” from food packaging, paperboard, utensils, and paper straws.

If you are concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, EPA recommends you contact your local water utility to learn more about your drinking water and to see whether they have monitoring data for PFAS or can provide any specific recommendations for your community.

In dozens of major metropolitan areas, including Miami, Philadelphia, New Orleans and the northern New Jersey suburbs of New York City, drinking water is contaminated by toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS coming from factories where they're used in chemical processes and traveling through rain and surface water.

PTFE, best known by the brand name Teflon™, is typically made using several hazardous PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) that have polluted drinking water across the globe.

PFAS in parchment paper is only one example of how forever chemicals have entered Americans' homes, where we are exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis.

Also, if PFAS come in contact with skin, it is possible that a small amount may enter the body through your skin. stay in the body for many years. It takes nearly four years for the level in the body to go down by half. PFAS leave the body mainly through urine.

Does distilled water have PFAS? ›

The results of testing the distilled water produced showed that PFAS were…not detected. (That is virtually 100% removal!) Boiling water containing PFAS will not release them.

Reducing the risk of consuming harmful chemicals: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does allow for low levels of certain harmful chemicals in drinking water. In distilled water, none of these chemicals are present.

However, it's important to ensure the producer of the bottled water tests for PFAS in their product. Bottled water with high levels of PFAS is no safer than any other contaminated water supply. PFAS are a group of man- made chemicals that have many uses and can be found in common products.

Yoga pants and gym leggings sold by Lululemon and Old Navy contained PFAS, according to testing done by consumer health activist blog Mamavation. Outdoor apparel brands Columbia, REI, and L.L. Bean received either a D or F grade for PFAS by Fashion FWD.

A new study finds that under-the-sink reverse osmosis systems work best at removing “forever chemicals,” but they aren't cheap.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety of bottled water and bases its standards on the EPA standards for tap water. If these standards are met, water is considered safe for most healthy individuals.

Water softeners can remove minerals like calcium and magnesium but do not remove bacteria, chlorine, iron, PFOA, PFAS, lead, arsenic, or pesticides.

It is currently known that three treatment processes can be effective for PFAS removal: granular activated carbon, ion exchange resins, and high-pressure membrane systems. The optimal choice between these technologies is a balance between many factors.

Avoid personal-care products made with Teflon™ or containing ingredients that include the words “fluoro” or ”perfluoro.” PFAS can be found in dental floss and a variety of cosmetics, including foundation, lip products, and mascara. Avoid Teflon™ or non-stick cookware.

PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. They have been used to make nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil.

What are the most common PFAS? ›

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have been manufactured the longest, are the most widespread in the environment, and are the most well-studied. PFOS and PFOA, which are called long-chain PFAS, are no longer manufactured in the United States.

LDPE does not contain PFAS in the raw material but may contain PFAS cross- contamination from the manufacturing process. LDPE bags (e.g., Ziploc®) that do not come into direct contact with the sample media and do not introduce cross-contamination with samples may be used.

Currently, there are no definitive medical procedures that can clear PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from the body, according to the Secretary of the United States Navy. However, the best step you can take is to remove the source of the exposure from your environment.

We'll help you unravel its mysteries. Eight restaurants, including those that tout a healthier menu—Chick-fil-A, Arby's, Burger King, McDonald's, Nathan's Famous, Taco Bell, Sweetgreen, and Cava—“had at least one type of packaging,” that contained PFAS.

Yoga pants and gym leggings sold by Lululemon and Old Navy contained PFAS, according to testing done by consumer health activist blog Mamavation. Outdoor apparel brands Columbia, REI, and L.L. Bean received either a D or F grade for PFAS by Fashion FWD.

How are PFAS excreted from the body? Some PFAS leave the body slowly over time, mostly through urine. People who have kidney disease may not excrete as much PFAS from their body through their urine as healthy individuals. Some PFAS routinely leave the body in blood during menstruation.

Again, the healthiest water to drink is water that's free of pathogens and contaminants, yet rich in key minerals. But, if there was one water option to pick, it's likely going to be spring water or clean artesian water—water that still contains healthy mineral content and is free of pathogens.

A new filter cartridge that is compatible with Brita pitchers can remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water.