Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” show exceptional durability in the environment. They are recognized as known carcinogens, posing significant environmental and health risks.
Their widespread use across various industries has led to ubiquitous contamination in air, water, and soil and severe health risks.
In this blog post, we will talk about the impact of PFAS chemicals. We will delve into their sources, health implications, and regulatory complexities.
The Omnipresence of PFAS Toxins
From affecting almost every US citizen to being traced to endangered sea turtles, PFAS toxins are present everywhere. Moreover, they do not mix with water or oil and can withstand high temperatures. This makes them a part of almost every industry, from firefighting foams to packaging materials and textiles.
However, studies have found these chemicals to seriously affect the health of all age groups. From cancers in adults to developmental defects in infants, these chemicals warrant urgent attention.
Understanding where PFAS come from and how they affect us is key to tackling their menace.
Widespread Use of PFAS
PFAS was first discovered by DuPont in the 1940s and marketed as Teflon. These compounds are now the backbone of the non-stick cookware industry.
In the manufacturing sector, these chemical toxins are employed as surfactants and lubricants. They also find applications in coatings for products like textiles, paper, and metal plating.
The story does not end here. The aerospace industry utilizes PFAS in hydraulic fluids, fire-resistant materials, and firefighting foam. Moreover, these synthetic chemicals are an important component in roughly 75% of waterproof clothing in the world.
However, their non-degradable nature and potency to cause life-threatening conditions have raised serious concerns.
Sources of PFAS Contamination
PFAS contamination stems from various sources. Industrial discharges from manufacturing facilities producing or using PFAS can pollute adjacent river bodies. Moreover, effluents from wastewater treatment plants also pose a threat to water bodies and soil.
Improper disposal of PFAS-containing waste, such as in landfills or through incineration, can also lead to widespread environmental contamination.
A major contributor to contamination is the aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly used in firefighting. This foam contains high levels of PFAS. Its use during firefighting activities has polluted the groundwater and soil near military bases, airports, and firefighting training facilities.
There are over 700 military sites throughout the United States that are contaminated with PFAS. This presents an alarming issue. If you or anyone you know has suffered because of AFFF exposure, you can file a firefighting foam lawsuit.
Health and Environment Concerns
More than 300 million people rely on public water systems in the US. According to a survey, around 45% of the country’s tap water contains PFAS. Imagine the number of people being poisoned by the water they use daily.
This toxic contamination has emerged as a pressing public health and environmental concern.
Health Effects of PFAS Exposure on Humans
TorHoerman Law states that exposure to PFAS compounds heightens the risk of several cancers. Some of them are (but are not limited to):
- Kidney Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
Research findings indicate that PFAS compounds have been linked to disruptions in normal reproductive function among women. These disruptions occur through alterations in hormone production, menstrual patterns, and fertility.
Other potential health concerns include thyroid disorders and unregulated body cholesterol. The growing body of evidence suggests that these chemicals pose significant risks to human health.
Environmental Impact of PFAS Contamination on Ecosystems
PFAS toxicity can have devastating consequences for ecosystems. Since these chemicals do not degrade with time, they can accumulate in the tissues of living organisms through food and water.
This phenomenon is known as biomagnification. Essentially, as organisms move up the food chain, PFAS concentrations rise.
Moreover, the presence of such toxins in the environment can alter the delicate balance of ecosystems. This, in turn, can cause long-term damage to biodiversity and ecological stability.
Challenges in Mitigating PFAS Levels
As discussed earlier, PFAS and related chemicals are used in almost all industries. Their goods dominate everyday life, and their efficacy is unmatched. Hence, finding suitable, sustainable substitutes is difficult.
Moreover, the diverse array of PFAS compounds presents a logistical nightmare for clean-up procedures. Each variety has its unique properties and responses to treatment technologies. There is no standard method to treat these chemicals.
For example, PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid) does not need specialized methods to get filtered out of drinking water. However, PFBA (perfluorobutanoic acid), poses a challenge because of its chemical properties.
Developing biodegradable alternatives that maintain the desired oil and water resistance and surfactant properties is a very difficult task. Many of these compounds exhibit other long-term toxicity issues.
Destroying PFAS requires specialized, high-temperature incineration. This makes the removal of traces embedded in buildings, soil, or waterways impossible.
Although eliminating these “forever” chemicals might be a distant goal, efforts are being made to mitigate their impact and find safer, more sustainable solutions for the future.
Regulations and On-Ground Efforts Against PFAS
Efforts to curb PFAS are gaining momentum, from policy regulations to investments in clean technology. In August 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a PFAS testing program. The program aims to set stringent permissible exposure levels for 29 PFAS compounds and lithium in drinking water.
The drinking water health advisories (HA) have set stringent limits for PFOA exposure, with permissible levels reduced to 0.02 parts per trillion (PPT). This marks a notable reduction from previous standards, underscoring the dedication to safeguarding water quality.
The implementation of such strict standards catalyzes filtration upgrades across the country.
To conclude, while the unregulated use of PFAS has caused severe health and environmental problems, there is reason for optimism. Collaborative efforts involving regulations, scientific advancements, and public awareness can lead to reduced reliance on PFAS in the future.