Impact of Perpetual Chemicals (PFAS) on Your Physical Well-being: An Overview

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of more than 9,000 endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have been a part of everyday life since the 1940s. These chemicals, engineered for their strong carbon-fluorine bond, help products resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water [1].

However, recent research has highlighted the long-term health risks associated with PFAS exposure. The effects of PFAS on health vary depending on exposure and the individual's age, sex, ethnicity, health status, and genetic disposition [1].

In adults, higher PFAS levels are associated with a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, likely due to metabolic irregularities affecting blood sugar regulation [1]. PFAS exposure has also been linked to high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid diseases including thyroid cancer, kidney and testicular cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension, including preeclampsia [1].

PFAS can interfere with the immune system, leading to reduced antibody responses to vaccines, especially in children [1]. In utero exposure to PFAS occurs through transfer from mother to fetus and is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, placental dysfunction, preeclampsia, and low birth weight [1].

Children are more vulnerable because of their physiology and behaviors: they consume more food and water relative to body weight, have more years ahead for bioaccumulation, and are exposed to PFAS in dust and soil. Adverse outcomes in children include cardiometabolic effects (e.g., diabetes, obesity), impaired fertility, thyroid impairment, allergies and asthma, altered pubertal onset, and impaired neurodevelopment [1].

Animal studies also show liver and immune system damage, but translating those findings to humans requires caution due to species differences [5].

PFAS chemicals escape from manufacturing facilities and consumer products into the environment and are present in nearly all Americans' blood [5]. Americans interact with PFAS chemicals in everyday products such as clothing, cosmetics, firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, rugs, upholstery, and food packaging [5].

Exposure to PFAS can occur through drinking water contaminated with PFAS, eating fish from contaminated water, eating food grown near a PFAS manufacturing facility, and using consumer products that contain PFAS [5].

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) to be dangerous substances [5]. PFAS chemicals were a major source of U.S. PFAS exposure, particularly in food packaging, but the overall risk of dietary exposure is far lower than it used to be due to voluntary phase-outs by manufacturers [5].

To minimise exposure, individuals can avoid nonstick cookware, stain-resistant coatings on furniture and rugs, and bring glass containers for to-go food [9]. Paying attention to local health advisories about agricultural products and drinking water can also help [10]. Asking local water utilities to test water for PFAS and using a certified water filter if levels are high can further reduce exposure [8].

Despite the long-term health risks, it's important to note that the effects of PFAS on health are still under investigation, and more research is needed to fully understand the implications of PFAS exposure [1]. Overall, PFAS exposure poses long-term health risks across the lifespan, including chronic metabolic, immune, developmental, and cancer-related effects, with children and in utero exposures being especially concerning [1][5].

References: [1] ATSDR (2018). Toxicological Profile for Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. [3] National Cancer Institute (2019). Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/exposures/pfas [5] EPA (2019). PFAS Action Plan. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-action-plan

The environmental science field has been focusing on PFAS, a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in numerous consumer products.
These chemicals, engineered to resist various elements, have been part of everyday life since the 1940s.
Regarding health effects, PFAS exposure can lead to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid diseases, kidney and testicular cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
In children, PFAS exposure can impact growth, fertility, thyroid function, neurodevelopment, and lead to conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Animal studies suggest liver and immune system damage due to PFAS exposure, but the implications for humans require careful consideration due to species differences.
PFAS chemicals often find their way into the environment, contaminating water and soil, making them ingestible to many Americans.
Everyday products like clothing, cosmetics, and food packaging are common sources of PFAS.
Exposure can occur through contaminated drinking water, eating fish from contaminated water sources, or consuming food grown near PFAS manufacturing plants.
Minimizing PFAS exposure can be achieved by avoiding nonstick cookware, stain-resistant coatings, and using glass containers for to-go food.
Monitoring local health advisories and agricultural products can aid in lessening exposure, as can testing water for PFAS and using a certified water filter when necessary.
Despite high concerns, the full implications of PFAS exposure on health are still under investigation, with further research needed to fully understand its impacts.
PFAS exposure is linked to long-term health risks across the lifespan, particularly concerning for children and in utero exposures.
The finance and business sectors play a significant role in improving PFAS-affected industries through investing in research, cleaner technologies, and sustainability efforts.
Education and self-development, including personal growth, could lead to more informed consumers who demand safer food-and-drink products and home-and-garden items.
Career development opportunities exist within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations dedicated to addressing PFAS in the environment, health, and wellness.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle that focuses on proper nutrition, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health therapies can help offset the potential negative effects of PFAS exposure.