You Can’t Avoid “Permanent Chemicals” but You Can Reduce Your Exposure
Chemicals that are difficult to degrade in the environment have infiltrated most of our bodies (whether we know it or not) and are present in about 45% of the nation’s water supply, according to a new USGS study. Poll . The health effects of these chemicals, called PFAS or “timeless chemicals”, are not well understood yet, but we understand if you want to reduce your exposure. Here are some ways to do it.
What are forever chemicals?
“Eternal Chemicals” is a nickname for a family of chemicals including fluorine and carbon. (“FC”, get it ?) The name is apt, as the fluorocarbon bond is so strong that most things in nature can’t break it. Worms and germs will eat your body after you die, but they can do little to break down PFOA, PFOS, or any of the other chemicals in this family.
A more accurate name for this group of chemicals is PFAS, denoting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This is a family that includes thousands of different individual chemicals. These chemicals are a marvel of modern innovation, except for the pesky fact that they never completely break down. They can make breathable waterproof coatings for camping gear, non-stick coatings for pans (Teflon – classic PFAS), and they often make waterproof mascara “waterproof”. Grease-proof wrappers and containers, such as those used for fast food and other food packaging, also often owe their properties to PFAS.
How dangerous are PFAS?
To be honest, the health effects of these chemicals are not fully understood. They seem to be harmless in the short term, in small doses, but we know they will stay for a long time. The CDC has an overview of the study here . We do not have studies that state that this amount of PFAS causes this effect in humans, although we do have animal studies that show that large amounts of PFAS can cause damage to the liver and immune system.
Because PFAS are so widespread and exist in such small amounts, it is difficult to design studies that compare exposed and unexposed people because nearly everyone has been exposed. All the health problems that scientists cite can be related to PFAS.
The EPA has set “health guidelines”, basically recommended limits for certain PFAS chemicals based on their possible health effects, and you can read about some of them here . The exact amount that is considered harmful can vary from one chemical to another, and the science behind it is still undetermined.
In short, we don’t have many solid answers about the health effects or how to avoid them, but there seem to be good reasons to be cautious. With that in mind, here are a few steps you can take to reduce your exposure to PFAS.
Filter your water
The USGS found that, when considering municipal water supplies as well as private water sources such as wells, about 75% of urban water sources and 25% of rural water sources likely contain PFAS. The water quality report you get from your water company (if you use municipal water) may indicate if PFASs have been detected.
The EPA reports that activated carbon granular filters, ion exchange filters, and reverse osmosis filters can remove PFAS from drinking water. PFAS is not considered to be absorbed in significant amounts through the skin, which is why the CDC advises that bathing water should not increase exposure.
If you fish in rivers and lakes, you may not eat the fish you catch.
Fish caught in the ocean are generally free from PFAS, but fish caught in rivers and lakes in the US are often contaminated. The CDC points out that wild fish oil can be a source of PFAS if they swim in PFAS-contaminated water (as many do). As we’ve explained before , you probably won’t want to eat the fish you’ve caught.
Avoid water and soil around military bases and airports.
If you live in or near a military base, or near an airport, you are likely to be exposed to far more PFAS than people who live elsewhere. I wouldn’t recommend you pick up and move just because of PFAS, but it might be something to consider the next time you’re looking for a new location.
Fires at airports and military bases are typically extinguished with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFs) , which contain massive amounts of PFAS. Over the years, a large amount of the chemicals from these foams end up in the soil and water in nearby areas. Again, you won’t be exposed to PFAS just by coming into contact with soil, but if you accidentally eat any of these – say, if your child constantly puts dirty things in their mouths – it can increase your exposure.
Check ingredient labels on cosmetics
Many of the products we use don’t have an ingredient list, so there’s no good way to tell on the spot if your burger is wrapped in PFAS paper. But cosmetics must have a list of ingredients so you can check what they contain. According to the FDA, common PFASs in cosmetics include polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, perfluoronyldimethicone, perfluorodecalin, and perfluorohexane.
Filter the air and remove dust
PFAS tends to stick to dust particles that you can breathe. Using an air purifier can help remove dust from the air. You can also wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust or vacuum with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner. This air purifier also comes in handy for reducing wildfire smoke and allergens, two things that are on the rise thanks to climate change, so it could be a good investment in your future anyway.