PFAS 102: PFAS Health Risks, Impacts, and Safety Measures

First developed in the 1950s, poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are still found today in many consumer products. Despite their widespread use in millions of homes across the world, these chemicals have been proven to have detrimental effects on humans, animals, and the environment.

In this blog, let’s delve into PFAs, the health risks they pose, their impact on the environment, as well as other important topics that should be considered involving their use.

What Are PFAs?

Poly-fluoroalkyl substances are a group of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals known for their extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them highly resistant to breaking down, and a significant contamination threat to water, soil, and the environment. PSAs are commonly used in many consumer products, including cookware, water-repellant fabrics, firefighting equipment, food packaging, and countless other applications where human contact is prevalent.

Health Effects of PFAs  

Despite their beneficial use in many important products, PFAs do raise significant short- and long-term health risks for people.

Short Term PFAS Health Effects

Studies have shown that people in communities with high exposure to PFAs tend to present symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, mental fogginess, changes in cholesterol levels, and dizziness. Symptoms can also vary based on the age, and overall health status of affected people.

Long Term PFAS Health Effects

Long term exposure to PFAs can cause serious health problems, including various forms of cancer, organ damage, and thyroid disease. In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which communicates the organization’s overall strategy to study the effects of PFAS, and what can be done to minimize their impact on people, animals, and the environment.

Vulnerable PFAS Populations

Certain populations are more vulnerable to PFA exposure. For example, pregnant women tend to drink more water, so their intake of these chemicals is sometimes greater than the general population. Women who breastfeed can also pass PFAs to their nursing children. Lastly, some industrial workers have an increased level of exposure due to their participation in the manufacturing process of certain products.

How PFAS Enter the Body

PFAs can enter the body in several ways, including through drinking water, food, and even skin contact with certain consumer products. The chemicals can even be ingested into the lungs.

Animal vs. Human Studies

Animal studies have shown that PFAs cause cancer, organ failure, developmental and reproductive problems, as well as immune system suppression in land mammals, fish, and birds. Humans suffer from many of the same medical problems due to PFA exposure.

Common Products Containing PFAs

PFAs are common in many common consumer products, including:

  • Household cleaning products.
  • Jackets, umbrellas & other water-repellant clothing.
  • Grease resistant wax paper.
  • Cookware with non-stick coatings.
  • Personal care products
    • Shampoo
    • Dental Floss
    • Nail Polish
    • Eye Makeup
  • Stain-resistant Coatings.
    • Carpeting
    • Upholstery
    • Other Household Fabrics

Environmental impact of PFAs

It has been proven that PFAs can contaminate soil and groundwater that is consumed by both humans and animals.

In 2017, a toxic chemical called Gen-X (a PFAS variant) was discovered in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, the drinking water source for over 500,000 people.

Regulatory & Safety Measures

Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have established regulations and monitoring policies concerning the use of PFAs.

For example, the EPA has set legally enforceable maximum levels for the presence of six PFAs in drinking water. The agency requires local governments to test for PFAs in public drinking water sources, and provide area residents with the results of its findings.

The EPA also requires any manufacturers that are newly utilizing PFAs, or resuming production of products containing 300 specific PFAs to go through a complete review process.

The FDA regularly monitors products and food contact substances that contain PFAs. The agency only authorizes specific PFAs for use in these applications.

It is important to note that the FDA is always evaluating new data to determine if their policies should be amended.

Reducing PFAs Exposure

It is virtually impossible for people to completely avoid contact with PFAs, as the chemicals are present in so many products, as well as the environment. However, the following actions can help minimize a person’s exposure to these harmful substances.

  • Reduce or limit the consumption of fast-food products.
  • Minimize the use of non-stick cookware when preparing food at home.
  • Look for stainless steel or cast-iron pots, and pans.
  • Utilize top-quality water filtration systems.

Future Research & Policy

Knowledge about the use and effects of PFAs on humans, animals, and the environment is constantly evolving as more information becomes available.

As more data is studied and evaluated, changes will most likely change in how PFAs are used, and regulated. For more information about PFAs, click here.

Committed to Human Health & a Safe Environment

Alexander Chemical is a proud Alliance of Chemical Distribution (ACD) member, committed to the well-being of our employees, communities, and the environment. We prioritize all individuals’ health, safety, and protection and are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining these standards.

As a member of the ACD (formerly NACD), we actively plan and operate our facilities responsibly. We also work closely with government officials to establish laws and regulations that protect our community, workplace, and environment.

“We are dedicated to continually enhancing performance, energy efficiency, and daily operations to ensure the safe handling and transportation of all our products” expressed Robert Davidson, CEO/President.

——————-

*Sources