A couple of days ago, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced that even microscopic amounts of PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water can increase risk for disease.
Arlene Blum, a biophysical chemist and the executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute explains in an article by the NPR that PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It is a type of man-made chemical that has been used in daily life since 1940s. Because it resists oil, heat, stain, or water, it is effective to keep things dry and keeping grease out. It is widely used for products such as non-stick pans, outdoor gears and food wrappers.
Similar to plastic, PFAS never decomposes. Not only does it lead to environmental contamination, but it is also very harmful to the human body. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says “exposure to PFAS may lead to higher risk for kidney or testicular cancer, increased cholesterol levels, and damage to the liver and immune system.”
U.S. government officials have taken several actions to tackle PFAS pollution problems. For example, In October 2021, the White House announced initiatives to protect communities and the environment from PFAS. Government regulations would help to force companies not to use PFAS in their products.
Individual consumers should be aware of the damage that PFAS would do their bodies and try to avoid using PFAS products. According to Blum, “if you already own something that contains PFAS, it’s safe to use as long as you’re using it correctly (for instance: don’t overheat your non-stick pans).”
However, she does advise against buying products made with this substance
Link to Article:
https://www.epa.gov/pfas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlene_Blum
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1656283477721x377976761882780740/PFAS%20%27forever%20chemicals%27%20are%20everywhere.%20Here%27s%20what%20you%20should%20know%20about%20them%20_%20NPR.pdf
Arlene Blum, a biophysical chemist and the executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute explains in an article by the NPR that PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It is a type of man-made chemical that has been used in daily life since 1940s. Because it resists oil, heat, stain, or water, it is effective to keep things dry and keeping grease out. It is widely used for products such as non-stick pans, outdoor gears and food wrappers.
Similar to plastic, PFAS never decomposes. Not only does it lead to environmental contamination, but it is also very harmful to the human body. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says “exposure to PFAS may lead to higher risk for kidney or testicular cancer, increased cholesterol levels, and damage to the liver and immune system.”
U.S. government officials have taken several actions to tackle PFAS pollution problems. For example, In October 2021, the White House announced initiatives to protect communities and the environment from PFAS. Government regulations would help to force companies not to use PFAS in their products.
Individual consumers should be aware of the damage that PFAS would do their bodies and try to avoid using PFAS products. According to Blum, “if you already own something that contains PFAS, it’s safe to use as long as you’re using it correctly (for instance: don’t overheat your non-stick pans).”
However, she does advise against buying products made with this substance
Link to Article:
https://www.epa.gov/pfas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlene_Blum
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1656283477721x377976761882780740/PFAS%20%27forever%20chemicals%27%20are%20everywhere.%20Here%27s%20what%20you%20should%20know%20about%20them%20_%20NPR.pdf
