PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or forever chemicals are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals used worldwide in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They are used to make grease-proof, waterproof, stick-proof, and stain-resistant materials. They are added to products such as:

• Food packaging such as: pizza boxes, food wrappers, take-out containers, microwave popcorn bags, disposable trays, and bakery bags
• Non-stick (Teflon) pans
• Firefighting foam
• Firefighters’ protective equipment
• Carpets, rugs, furniture textiles, window treatments, and car seats
• Stain-proof and waterproof clothing
• Outdoor gear
• Umbrellas
• Personal care products, such as dental floss, mascara, foundation, and menstrual underwear
• Artificial turf
• Medical equipment and masks
• Building materials

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they are extremely persistent, lasting thousands of years. Every American tested has PFAS in their blood. PFAS can get into our bodies when we:

• Drink contaminated water
• Eat foods from areas with contaminated soil or water
• Accidentally swallow contaminated soil or dust
• Eat food wrapped in materials containing PFAS
• Accidentally swallow residue or dust from PFAS-containing consumer products, such as stain-resistant carpeting and water repellent clothing

This is a problem because even small doses of PFAS can increase the risk of a wide variety of health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, liver problems, high cholesterol, and immunosuppression.

In 2005, two of the most harmful PFAS chemicals, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), were stopped from being manufactured after a class action lawsuit. Unfortunately, these two chemicals have contaminated water systems across the country and the world.

Since then, PFOA and PFOS have been replaced with similar but slightly modified chemicals. While scientists have not studied every PFAS chemical, there are 9,000 variants, and those chemicals have been studied, showing similar properties to PFOA and PFOS. They are persistent, mobile, and toxic even at very low doses, and often act in similar ways on similar organs as the chemicals they were developed to replace.

If you are concerned about PFAS exposures, talk with your healthcare provider about your risks, whether an additional health screening is appropriate, and the risks and benefits of testing.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.