Hidden Dangers: How PFAs are Affecting Your Daily Life

What are PFA’s?

PFA’s are a group of manmade chemicals that are known as “forever” chemicals. They have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms, which is one of the strongest bonds. As a result, these chemicals do not break down or degrade in the environment. Since they do not break down easily in the environment, they can build up easily in the body. The ingredients are used in the production of everyday products. These chemicals have properties that resist heat, grease, water and stains. Furthermore, these chemicals are used to make non-stick cookware, water repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics, carpets, cosmetics, as well as house and cleaning products. They can also be found in food packaging and personal care products. PFAs can cause bodily harm and can also migrate into the soil, water, and air, but continue to stay in the environment. 

Where Are These “Forever Chemicals” Found?

Since their properties resist heat, grease, water, and stains, these chemicals are found in many of the everyday products we use. They are used to make clothing, shoes, accessories, and many products within our homes. PFA’s can be found in grease resistant food packaging, grease resistant paper, waterproof clothing, stain resistant fabrics, and non-stick cookware, as well as carpet. These chemicals cause pollution at every stage of production, which is how they migrate into the soil, water, and air. Personal care products, such as shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup, can also contain PFA’s. In addition, they can be found in food such as fish and shellfish, microwave safe bags, paper based food packaging, takeout boxes, pizza boxes, and water. 

What Are the Health Effects of Exposure to PFAs?

These chemicals can disrupt reproductive hormones and increase risk for infertility in women. Additionally, they can put females at risk for endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome, causing reduced fertility by up to 40%. There are other negative health effects related to PFAs exposure, including liver and thyroid problems, kidney and testicular cancer, harm to the immune system, and hormone disruption leading to reproductive harm. 

How Can You Avoid PFAs?

PFA’s are so common in our environment that there is no way to avoid them completely. In order to decrease exposure, avoid or limit products listed above containing these chemicals. Some easy ways to decrease exposure is to limit use of non-stick cookware, check the water you drink, read labels on food and food products, limit takeout boxes, and avoid single use plastic bags. Another tip is to avoid water resistant makeup and eye makeup, dental floss with PFTE coatings, limit fast food consumption, microwave popcorn, and paper based takeout packaging. Using filtered water can limit risk of exposure in water. Since these chemicals can be found in soil, it can also be helpful to vacuum your home frequently. 

Conclusion: Knowledge About “Forever Chemicals” is Power!

PFA’s are chemicals that are unavoidable in our daily life. They are found in many different products ranging from food and food products, home products, clothing and shoes, accessories, cleaning products, and cosmetics. Since it is impossible to avoid them completely, it can be helpful to be aware where these products are found so we can be more aware of limiting exposure. Limiting exposure to these chemicals can lower our risks to various negative health implications that these chemicals can cause. Knowledge is power! If you have any questions, or are interested in assistance to your own health journey don’t hesitate to reach out to our Registered Dietitians!

References

1. Pfas Chemicals Overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 18, 2024. Accessed September 14, 2024. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/overview.html.

2. Pfas explained: Accessed September 14, 2024. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-10/final-virtual-pfas-explainer-508.pdf.

3. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Accessed September 14, 2024. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc#:~:text=Per%2D%20and%20polyfluoroalkyl%20substances%20 (PFAS,world%20since%20about%20the%201950s.
4. Molly M. Ginty CL. “Forever chemicals” called pfas show up in your food, clothes, and home. Be a Force for the Future. April 10, 2024. Accessed September 14, 2024. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/forever-chemicals-called-pfas-show-your-food-clothes-and-home.
5. What are Pfas Chemicals? Environmental Working Group. Accessed September 14, 2024. https://www.ewg.org/what-are-pfas-chemicals.