When you hear the term "PFAS," you might not immediately recognize its significance. However, these per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have become a pervasive presence in our lives, much like glitter—ubiquitous and notoriously difficult to eliminate. As we delve into the world of PFAS, it’s essential to understand what they are, where they come from, and the profound implications they hold for both our health and the environment.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (pronounced "pee-fass") are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. They include substances like PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many others. The defining feature of PFAS is their carbon-fluorine bond—one of the strongest in organic chemistry—which makes them resistant to heat, water, and oil.
Because of these properties, PFAS are widely used in:
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Non-stick cookware (like Teflon)
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Stain- and water-repellent fabrics
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Food packaging (e.g., microwave popcorn bags, burger wrappers)
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Firefighting foams
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Cosmetics, including foundation, lipstick, and mascara
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PFAS are found in the blood of nearly 97% of Americans.
The Chemical Makeup of a Problem
PFAS chemicals are often called "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body. They bioaccumulate, meaning they build up over time in our blood and organs. Some PFAS can take more than 1,000 years to degrade in the environment.
This persistence means PFAS contamination isn’t a temporary issue. Once they enter a water system, agricultural land, or food supply, they tend to stay there—spreading quietly but widely.
PFAS in Our Daily Lives
You might be exposed to PFAS through:
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Drinking water
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Food grown in contaminated soil
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Dust from household items like treated carpets and furniture
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Eating fish from polluted rivers and lakes
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Using consumer goods like waterproof clothing or stain-resistant sprays
In a 2021 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS were detected in the tap water of 2,337 locations in the U.S. across 49 states.
Health Risks: What the Science Says
Multiple studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health concerns. Though not every PFAS chemical is equally dangerous, here are some of the most worrisome effects:
1. Cancer
Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people exposed to high levels of PFOA had increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers.
2. Hormonal Disruption and Fertility
PFAS can interfere with hormones, leading to thyroid problems, decreased fertility, and menstrual irregularities. A study found women with higher levels of PFAS had a 40% lower chance of getting pregnant compared to those with lower exposure.
3. Immune System Suppression
The National Toxicology Program concluded that PFAS reduces antibody responses to vaccines. This is especially concerning for children, whose developing immune systems are more vulnerable.
4. Cholesterol and Liver Damage
A review confirmed that PFAS exposure is associated with increased cholesterol levels and liver enzyme abnormalities.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Vulnerable Populations:
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Pregnant women: PFAS can cross the placenta and accumulate in breast milk.
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Infants and children: Their smaller bodies and developing systems make them more sensitive.
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People near industrial sites: Residents near chemical plants or airports (where firefighting foam is used) face higher exposure risks.
A 2023 study found that PFAS levels in people living near military bases were up to 10 times higher than average.
Environmental Impact
PFAS in Water
One of the biggest concerns with PFAS is water contamination. In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that 45% of U.S. tap water is contaminated with one or more PFAS compounds.
Because conventional water treatment plants can’t effectively remove PFAS, the chemicals accumulate in rivers, groundwater, and reservoirs—posing long-term risks to communities.
Impact on Wildlife
PFAS are not just a human health issue—they’re toxic to wildlife. They’ve been found in polar bears in the Arctic, dolphins in the Atlantic, and birds across the U.S. In fish, PFAS can disrupt reproduction and cause liver and kidney damage.
When animals ingest PFAS, these substances accumulate up the food chain—eventually landing on our dinner plates.
Can We Get Rid of PFAS?
Regulation: A Global Effort
Several countries have begun phasing out specific PFAS. The European Union proposed a comprehensive ban in 2023 that would cover over 10,000 PFAS compounds.
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its first-ever enforceable drinking water standards for six PFAS in April 2024, aiming for limits as low as 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.
Still, regulation is slow, and only a small fraction of PFAS are currently restricted.
What You Can Do
While government regulation is essential, personal action also plays a role:
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Filter your water: Use reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal.
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Check labels: Avoid products labeled "non-stick," "waterproof," or "stain-resistant" unless PFAS-free.
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Limit fast food: Grease-resistant packaging often contains PFAS.
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Support advocacy: Groups like the EWG and Safer States push for legislative change and corporate responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Science, Technology, and Hope
Scientists are racing to find safe ways to destroy PFAS. Some promising research includes:
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Supercritical water oxidation: A process that breaks PFAS into harmless byproducts at high temperatures and pressure.
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Photocatalysis: Using light and catalysts to degrade PFAS in water.
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PFAS “eating” bacteria: Though still experimental, some microbes show potential to metabolize PFAS compounds.
Continued investment in these technologies is crucial for long-term remediation efforts.
Conclusion
PFAS may be the new glitter—hard to see, harder to eliminate—but unlike glitter, they pose a real threat to health and the environment. These persistent chemicals are everywhere: in our blood, water, food, and even unborn children.
But there’s hope. Through science, regulation, and community action, we can start addressing the PFAS problem. The first step is awareness. The second is advocacy. And the third is insisting on a future where our environment—and our bodies—are no longer polluted by invisible threats.
Stay informed. Make conscious choices. And help spread the word about the dangers of forever chemicals.
