PFAS – “The Forever Chemicals”
What are PFA Substances?
PFAS are a large group of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These manufactured chemicals never disappear from the environment, which is why they are called “forever chemicals.” Some of them build up in people and the environment.
They are used in a variety of products like:
- Consumer products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
- Food packaging
- Household products
- Bottled Water
- Fire Extinguishers
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Adhesives
- Heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces
According to the Washington State Department of Ecology “PFAS are water soluble and highly mobile. They can easily contaminate groundwater and can be hard to filter out. Since these substances don’t break down naturally, our exposure to PFAS could continue for hundreds or thousands of years.”
PFAS exposure has been linked to health problems in humans, ranging from immune system suppression to increased risk for some cancers, reproductive issues, and many more. The C8 Science panel concluded that there are probable links between PFOA exposure and development of kidney and testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and high cholesterol.
In an effort to counteract the negative effects of PFAS several states are either banning or limiting products with PFAS. States are also increasing testing, and implementing clean water programs. Many municipalities across the U.S. use GACs, porous substances typically made with coal, charcoal, wood or coconut shells, to adsorb PFAS from their drinking water.* Businesses are also moving towards using and offering more PFAS Free products.
PFAS Resources by State:
- PFAS Update: State Regulation of PFAS in Food Packaging
- With the U.S. PFAS “Phase-out” clock ticking, what every food company should know
- Safer States PFAS
Contact your Sales Representative to learn more about our PFAS Free products we have to offer.
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Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html#print
https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-toxic-chemicals/Addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/PFAS
*https://umaine.edu/news/blog/2022/08/29/nsf-funds-apuls-research-into-novel-approach-for-eliminating-pfas/
