“A chemical called PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that is common in our trash could be deadly. When small amounts of PFAS get in landfills, they can infiltrate food, animals, and even everyday drinking water.
The tiniest bits of PFAS can be harmful. In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that 70 out a trillion parts of PFAS are safe. Just recently, they changed that claim, and set the new “safe” amount to basically zero.
If directly exposed to this chemical, there will be an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer. So how can we navigate the world without running into PFAS? Well, the EPA spent $1 billion in infrastructure grant funding to address the spread of these chemicals.
PFAS takes a long time to break down; some as 92 years, some never.. PFAS are used to keep out water, oil, stains, and more. This makes these chemicals very useful. A lot of common things have PFAS, such as snack packages, sports equipment, and some foods. PFAS has been on the planet since 1940. In other words, these chemicals have accumulated for 82 years.
You most likely have PFAS in your body, although it might not have an effect. To prevent getting more of this chemical, all you have to do is make sure to use the object containing PFAS correctly. It is also recommended that you do not buy more versions of the material, so if your equipment cracks, don’t buy another piece of equipment made with PFAS. PFAS has no effect in the smallest amounts, but if you vary the amount a little bit, such as banging sports equipment too hard, causing a release of additional PFAS, then it all comes falling down.
Link: PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are everywhere. Here’s what you should know about them _ NPR.pdf
The tiniest bits of PFAS can be harmful. In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that 70 out a trillion parts of PFAS are safe. Just recently, they changed that claim, and set the new “safe” amount to basically zero.
If directly exposed to this chemical, there will be an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer. So how can we navigate the world without running into PFAS? Well, the EPA spent $1 billion in infrastructure grant funding to address the spread of these chemicals.
PFAS takes a long time to break down; some as 92 years, some never.. PFAS are used to keep out water, oil, stains, and more. This makes these chemicals very useful. A lot of common things have PFAS, such as snack packages, sports equipment, and some foods. PFAS has been on the planet since 1940. In other words, these chemicals have accumulated for 82 years.
You most likely have PFAS in your body, although it might not have an effect. To prevent getting more of this chemical, all you have to do is make sure to use the object containing PFAS correctly. It is also recommended that you do not buy more versions of the material, so if your equipment cracks, don’t buy another piece of equipment made with PFAS. PFAS has no effect in the smallest amounts, but if you vary the amount a little bit, such as banging sports equipment too hard, causing a release of additional PFAS, then it all comes falling down.
Link: PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are everywhere. Here’s what you should know about them _ NPR.pdf
