WHAT ARE PFAS AND WHY DO WE CARE?

There is no doubt that we live in a world made easier because of products that help us or, at least, promise to do so.  Now, it appears that we should take a second look and judge if the time or energy saved is worth the health risk.  The culprits are many chemicals (1000’s)  under the title of pre-and polyfluoroalkyl or PFAS (also look for these chemicals with the “PTFE” or “Fluor” in the list of ingredients).  In a 2020 EPA study. These chemical compounds were found to last an exceedingly long time, dissolve into soil and water affecting fish and (although more study is needed) appear to affect human health.  These chemicals appear to affect the liver, Pancreatic function, hormone levels, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, weight gain, and (recently added) reduction in vaccine responses.  Some studies point toward cancer development as well.  The list of products containing some combination and level of PFAS is large.  Many products are related to fire-fighting foam and fire-resistant and stain resistant treatments of fabric, clothing and carpets, non-stick cookware, paper manufacturing, chrome plating, waxes and paints and pesticides.  The list also includes items less known for containing these dangerous chemicals such as dental floss, microwave popcorn (the lining of the bags), treated cardboard packaging, fast food containers and grease-free wraps, and cosmetics. PFAS chemicals are sometimes even found in beef, fish, and dairy products (likely from contaminated soil and/or water) and in our own drinking water. KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) has made a survey of our state’s potential PFAS contamination sites and sources.  This information will assist the ongoing work of the EPA and state organizations to further monitor these chemicals (especially in the water supply) and to develop regulations to safeguard the public.

In the meantime, individuals can take steps to protect themselves while awaiting further study and regulations.  They can say no to pop-in-bag popcorn, replace non-stick cookware with stainless steel or cast iron, refuse to use “stain-repellent” sprays, look for non PFAS containing dental floss, and ask manufacturers to eliminate these chemicals in packaging.  Look carefully at cosmetic labels.  Consider a household water filtration system, if your water has high levels of PFAS chemicals.  Bottled water is generally not tested for these chemicals.

Earth Steward Activity:  This week look at ingredient-labels for possible PFAS.  Toss out non-stick cookware if coating is flaking and make popcorn the old-fashioned way.

Sources:  https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-region-7-kansas-and-nebraska-asses-pfas-contamination

https://www.kdeh.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/view/5182/inventory-Report-PDF https://www.cleanwateraction.org/features/10-things-you-can-do-about-toxic-pfas-chemicals  ,