If you’ve been paying attention to the news at all in recent years, you may have heard about a class of chemicals called PFAS. These chemicals have been linked to various health problems, and they’re turning up in water supplies and consumer products all over the country. So what are PFAS, and why should you care? In this article, we’ll discuss what PFAS free products are, where they come from, and why you should avoid them whenever possible.
What They Are
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades in products such as non-stick cookware, food wrappers and packaging, waterproof clothing and fabric, carpeting and upholstery, furniture treatments, firefighting foam, and other consumer products. These chemicals are designed to be extremely stable — meaning they don’t break down quickly — which makes them very useful for these applications.
Where They Come From
PFAS can enter the environment from various sources. Manufacturers discharge them into waterways through their wastewater streams or when they incinerate waste that contains PFAS. Additionally, households may release them into the air when they use products containing them (such as sprays and foams). Once in the environment, they can travel long distances and move through soil and groundwater, eventually polluting rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
Health Effects of PFAS
Unfortunately, the same properties that make PFAS so useful also have serious consequences for human health. Research has linked exposure to certain types of PFAS with various potential health problems — primarily developmental and reproductive issues. For example, studies suggest they can affect hormone levels and fetal growth in pregnant women; disrupt thyroid hormones; increase cholesterol levels; damage the immune system, and raise the risk for some cancers.
To conclude, PFAS are a family of synthetic compounds with strong environmental persistence and excellent surface-protection properties. Unfortunately, these characteristics also make them potential health hazards when they enter the environment, contaminating soil and groundwater and exposing people to potential health risks.
