The Hidden Threat of Forever Chemicals

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes. Contains 813 words.

If pregnant women are exposed to certain harmful chemicals called PFAS aka 'forever chemicals’ (often found in water-resistant, stain-resistant and heat-resistant products), their children may have a higher chance of being born with low weight. Later in life, these kids could also have a higher risk of obesity and being overweight. This is similar to what happens when unborn babies are exposed to cigarette smoke. These findings come from a new study.

Previously, we knew that some PFAS chemicals could lead to low birth weight. However, this new study tracked 1,400 kids and found that those exposed to PFAS had higher body weight and more obesity cases from ages two to five. This strange combination of low birth weight and later-life obesity had been seen before in kids exposed to cigarette smoke during pregnancy.

PFAS, are a class of man-made chemicals that are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or in our bodies. They are used in a wide range of everyday products, including food packaging, clothing, cosmetics, and non-stick cookware.

PFAS are highly persistent and can build up in our bodies over time, even in very small doses. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases.

They have been used in various industries around the world since the 1940s because of their ability to resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.

Forever chemicals are more common than you might think. They can be found in a wide variety of everyday products, including:

1. Non-Stick Cookware: The non-stick coating on many pots and pans often contains PFAS. These chemicals can potentially leach into food during cooking.

2. Water- and Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Many outdoor clothing, upholstery, and carpeting products are treated with PFAS for their water- and stain-resistant properties.

3. Food Packaging: Some food packaging materials, like microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, are treated with PFAS to resist grease and oil.

4. Firefighting Foam: PFAS are used in certain types of firefighting foam due to their ability to smother fires effectively.

5. Cleaning Products: Some types of cleaning products may contain PFAS, which help them break down grease and grime.

Here's how they end up in our environment:

1. Manufacturing: During the production process of products containing PFAS, these chemicals can be released into the air, soil, and water. This often happens in areas where these products are manufactured.

2. Usage: When we use products that contain PFAS, like washing our water-resistant clothing or cooking with non-stick pans, these chemicals can be released. They might go down the drain and end up in our water systems, or they can be released into the air.

3. Disposal: When we throw away products that contain PFAS, they might end up in landfills or incinerators. In landfills, PFAS can leach into the soil and potentially contaminate groundwater. If these products are burned in incinerators, PFAS can be released into the air.

How Can We Limit Our Exposure to Forever Chemicals?

There are some ways to reduce PFAS exposure, though. This includes filtering your water since these chemicals could be contaminating the drinking water. A new study from Duke University and North Carolina State University found that certain types of water filters are better at removing PFAS. They discovered that reverse osmosis filters, which are installed right where the water comes out, are the best at getting rid of these chemicals. On the other hand, activated carbon filters, like those found in some water pitchers or in refrigerator doors, were less effected. It's important to mention that boiling your water won't get rid of PFAS. In fact, doing so can even increase the concentration of these harmful chemicals in your water.

Another way is by swapping out your nonstick cookware with alternatives made of stainless steel, cast-iron, glass, or ceramic.

Also, avoid heating up food that's in grease-resistant packaging, like microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, because this can often contain PFAS to resist grease and oil.

Additionally, eating fresh, unpackaged food and maintaining a balanced diet can reduce exposure.

Some cosmetics and personal care products may contain PFAS. Check the labels and opt for brands that don't use these chemicals.

Many manufacturers are now producing goods that are free from PFAS. Look for 'PFAS-free' labels when shopping for products such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and cleaning products.

When throwing away items that might contain PFAS, consider recycling programs designed to handle these chemicals, or special waste disposal services that can prevent them from leaching into the environment.

Let's Do Our Part

Reducing our exposure to forever chemicals is not just beneficial for our health, but it also sends a powerful message to manufacturers and policy makers. By choosing PFAS-free products, we signal the demand for safer alternatives and encourage companies to phase out the use of these persistent chemicals.

Let's do our part, one step at a time, to create a safer and healthier world for us all.

Stay informed, stay healthy!

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