Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances appear in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, cosmetics, food packaging and fire-fighting foam. And these are just a few of the many products that have been verified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as containing potentially hazardous chemicals known colloquially as PFAS.
PFAS have been used in various industry and consumer products since the 1940s. There are thousands of different PFAS, some of which have been more widely used and studied than others. These chemicals are commonly used, long lasting and break down very slowly over time. This means that PFAs have the potential to remain in the environment for a long period of time, increasing the risk of exposure.
Because there is such a large variety of PFAS chemicals that are found in a wide range of products, it is difficult for the EPA to study and assess the totality of the potential human health and environmental risks of each chemical.
Current ongoing research from the EPA shows that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to health risks, including increased risk of some cancers, increased cholesterol levels, immune system deficiencies and decreased fertility. The more the agency learns about PFAS chemicals, the more they learn that certain PFAS can cause such health risks even at very low levels.
Fortunately, numerous products that have been confirmed to contain PFAS have been removed from the market, however the lasting environmental effects of PFAS remains a cause of concern. While official cleanup levels of PFAS are not yet established nationally, some states like Washington have developed a conservative approach to dealing with the chemicals, and have established recommended cleanup levels to address potential environmental concerns.
For additional information regarding PFAS, please visit the CDC and EPA websites listed below: