Chemicals collectively known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have infiltrated daily life since their widespread adoption in the 1940s. More than 15,000 chemicals dazzle for their stick-, stain-, and water-proofing skills. Due to these unique characteristics, they are useful and widely found in countless everyday products. PFAS can be found in various products we use every day—from nonstick cookware to cosmetics. Their ubiquity calls into question their effects on human health and the environment.
Earlier in 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved decisively to allay rising fears over PFAS. They published an enforcement rule limiting maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS in drinking water. This bold regulatory move accentuates the dire need to step up PFAS contamination mitigation efforts. These harmful substances are found not just in toxic household products but in our food supply. Our analysis found that the median concentrations of PFAS in freshwater fish are 280 times higher than in seafood caught commercially. Consequently, public health officials are warning eaters to limit their consumption of these unhealthy fish.
Understanding PFAS and Their Ubiquity
PFAS – or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – have been used across multiple industries for decades thanks to their unique chemical properties. However, their resist heat properties and water repelling characteristics lend themselves to thousands of different applications. Popular items including non-stick cookware, kitchen utensils, water-resistant clothing and home goods including carpets and upholstery are laden with PFAS compounds. These chemicals are found in a wide range of common products.
Incredible utility The extreme pervasiveness of PFAS chemicals has serious health consequences. The reality is, every single human on the planet has been exposed to these chemicals. Indeed, many of them remain in human tissues for years—even decades—after that exposure. This persistence creates what many experts call “a major public health crisis.”
“Every human on Earth has already been exposed, and some PFAS chemicals will remain in our tissues for decades after exposure,” – Arthur Daniel Jones, PhD.
As consumers increasingly learn the extent of these risks they will look for products that reduce the risks, such as avoiding exposure to PFAS. Awareness campaigns and educational efforts are critical as individuals strive to make informed choices about the products they use daily.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure
Research is ongoing to learn more about the possible negative health effects related to exposure to PFAS. These toxic chemicals have been proven to cause a range of health problems such as hormonal disruptions and higher chances of developing certain cancers. The widespread contamination of PFAS in our drinking water supplies and through our food sources has increased the public outcry over the long-term health effects.
Freshwater fish caught in urban areas often have more concentrated harmful substances. This is particularly the case for fish from areas such as the Great Lakes. As a result, health authorities, including the CDC, recommend avoiding fish from these water bodies.
Jennifer Freeman, PhD, emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding PFAS contamination:
“This is a significant public health challenge.”
In light of these findings, everyone, especially at-risk individuals, should consult fish advisories frequently. Equally important is keeping the public engaged and informed about their local water quality.
Strategies for Reducing PFAS Exposure
Here are the top five PFAS-related action steps you can take, according to experts. Perhaps the most important recommendation is to look for products that are PFAS-free. Whether purchasing pots and pans or knives and cutting boards, consumers need to be vigilant in looking for explicit labeling. These labels should mean that these chemical products are not present in harmful amounts.
When you shop, pick clothing that’s at least 100% natural (think cotton, wool, or silk). Making this decision will let you avoid PFAS much more effectively. More importantly, consumers can now use technology to inform their purchasing choices. Applications such as Clearya, shown above, are enabling consumers to scan and see if products contain harmful ingredients—including PFAS.
“For cookware, kitchen utensils, and other home goods, look for PFAS-free labeling.”
And to help visualize these new boundaries, the United States Geological Survey provides an interactive map here. Using it, you can find out how high PFAS levels are in your community’s tap water. This resource can help households understand their potential exposure through drinking water and encourage them to take appropriate action if necessary.
Public water systems have until 2029 to make the necessary regulatory changes and ensure PFAS levels in drinking water are entry levels below danger. This deadline provides communities with a clear timeline to track progress and continue to push for stronger drinking water standards to be adopted.
Public water systems have until 2029 to implement changes aimed at reducing PFAS levels in drinking water. This deadline offers a timeline for communities to monitor progress and advocate for safer drinking water standards.
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