PFAS - the everywhere, 'forever chemicals'

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a vast group of chemical substances widely used across the world, and a rising source of concern for our health and well-being.

They are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because their chemical bonds are extremely hard to break down, meaning that they can persist in the environment forever. PFAS have been found in urine, blood, and breast milk.

We are exposed to PFAS in all sorts of everyday places – they’re found in drinking water, and used in thousands of everyday products including food packaging, cosmetics, textiles, paints – it’s even been detected in wastewater contaminated by toilet tissue. PFAS are detectable in our rivers and have been detected in 17,000 sites across the UK and Europe.

Health risks linked with PFAS exposure 

PFAS exposure has been associated with some serious health concerns. One study identified breast milk as the primary source of exposure to PFAS in infants. Researchers examined samples of breast milk from 1151 lactating mothers in 20 cities across China and analysed them using mass spectrometry. Nine different types of PFAS were detected in breast milk samples. This suggests potential health risks to infants from post-natal exposure to PFAS, and a presents terrible dilemma for parents.

PFAS are widely linked to cancer, reproductive health, lower fertility and sperm count, low birth weight, and child development issues.

With obesity rates rising – the World Obesity Atlas 2023 predicts that by 2035 more than 4 billion people, 25% of the world’s population could become obese. PFAS is one of the possible factors in driving this rise. PFAS are known as ‘obesogens’ because they can interfere with healthy body weight regulation and slowing down metabolism, especially in women as found by a Harvard School of Public Health study. 
 

How can you reduce your exposure to PFAS? 

PFAS are almost impossible to avoid entirely, but you can steer clear of many of the products where they are used by making a few small changes.

• Read ingredients labels on cosmetics, especially items such as waterproof mascara and hair dye. An easy way to do this is to download the YUKA app to your phone, and use it scan the barcode of consumer products.
• YUKA has a catalogue of thousands of products and gives a score from 0-100 to help you choose products including toiletries and food with fewer potentially harmful chemicals.
• Check ingredients on personal care items such as dental floss – some have been found to include PFAS.
• Avoid using plastic food and drink containers. Remove food from plastic packaging before heating is also recommended.
• PFAS are still widely used in non-stick cookware, so swap non-stick pans and cookware for stainless steel, glass, or cast iron to reduce PFAS exposure.
• If you do prefer non-stick pans, keep the surfaces scratch free by using wood or silicon utensils, and stack them with a layer of kitchen paper in between to avoid scratches from other pans.
• Filtering your water is also advisable, but PFAS is notoriously difficult to remove, and not all water filters can remove synthetic chemicals. Choose a system that uses reverse osmosis or activated carbon, they have been shown to remove PFAS from water supplies more effectively.
• Sports and waterproof clothing are also a potential source of PFAS exposure where they are used to add stain and water resistance.
• School uniform for children is a potential source of exposure to PFAS where it’s used for stain resistance, but more brands are switching to chemical free finishes.
• Re-usable period products may be a source of PFAS exposure, so check with the manufacturer before buying.
• Where possible, choose clothing made with natural fibres such as organic cotton and wool.
• Reduce direct skin contact with garments treated with PFAS, and wear an organic cotton under layer.

To help your body to expel synthetic chemicals, eat a healthy organic diet, and take regular exercise that raises your heart rate – both can help the liver to detox more efficiently and speed up the process of removing harmful chemicals from your body. 

More reading

PFAS found in American infant milk formula

PFAS in children’s clothing

PFAS linked with suppression of the immune system

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