Both awareness and concern continue to grow regarding PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” as their persistent nature in the environment and the human body becomes increasingly clear. 

PFAS, an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of toxic chemicals notorious for their growing presence in our environment, our foods, and ultimately in our bodies. 

PFAS are present in thousands of everyday consumer products from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to food packaging and firefighting foams, and even dental floss. 

These synthetic compounds are designed for durability, but there is a dark side to that quality. Their resistance to breaking down comes with significant risks. Studies have linked exposure to PFAS to serious health effects, including cancer, liver damage, reproductive harm, and immune system dysfunction.

Mainstream media began using the term “forever chemicals” widely after high-profile contamination incidents and studies showing widespread PFAS presence in drinking water, food packaging, and other consumer products. 

A pivotal moment was the release of the 2019 film Dark Waters, which dramatized DuPont’s pollution of water supplies with PFAS. A recent federal court settlement is related to the pollution highlighted in Dark Waters. 

In June 2023, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to a $1.18 billion settlement to help fund the cleanup of PFAS contamination in US public water systems, meant to address claims tied to the pollution depicted in the film.

The movement to eliminate PFAS

As the dangers of PFAS become more apparent, a global movement is emerging to eliminate these chemicals from everyday products. Regulatory agencies are starting to set stricter PFAS guidelines and restrictions. 

At the same time, consumer advocacy groups, such as Mamavation, are leading the charge by conducting toxin testing and launching awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to educate the public and drive demand for safer, PFAS-free alternatives.

As you will see from the long list of PFAS below, this battle is not unlike David with his slingshot taking on the Hydra (if that mixed metaphor can be imagined), for PFAS are like a multiheaded monster in our midst. 

Step one in dealing with such pervasive toxic substances is educating ourselves about them, especially regarding the health threats they pose. Step two is finding out who is already in the fight to warn us about their dangers and ultimately to ban their use.

What are “forever chemicals?”

Though the term “forever chemicals” is primarily associated with PFAS, it can also include other chemicals that persist in the environment and resist degradation. Such chemicals can accumulate in living organisms. They are linked to various health and environmental risks. 

A comprehensive list of PFAS

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is the main group of forever chemicals. It includes thousands of individual compounds. Key subtypes include:

• PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid): Used in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and certain firefighting foams.
  
• PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate): Found in stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams.
  
• PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate): Used in water- and stain-repellent treatments for fabrics and carpets.
  
• PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid): Present in products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging.
  
• GenX chemicals: A newer class of PFAS used as a substitute for PFOA but still persistent and potentially harmful.

Fluoropolymers

A subgroup of PFAS, fluoropolymers (like PTFE—polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as Teflon) are used in non-stick coatings, medical devices, and electronics.

Organofluorine compounds

These are organic compounds containing carbon-fluorine bonds, which are extremely stable. While not all organofluorine compounds are forever chemicals, those that persist in the environment and accumulate in organisms fall under this category.

Other persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

Although not traditionally classified as PFAS, some POPs exhibit similar persistence and bioaccumulation traits. 

• PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls): Once widely used in electrical equipment and as industrial lubricants, PCBs are now banned due to their environmental persistence and toxicity.
  
• Dioxins: Dioxins are unintentional byproducts of industrial processes and waste incineration. They are highly persistent in the environment and are linked to cancer and other health issues.
  
• Certain pesticides: Examples include DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and chlordane. Both pesticides were banned in the US and Europe in the 1970s.

Halogenated flame retardants

• PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers): Used in furniture, electronics, and textiles for fire resistance. They are persistent and can accumulate in the environment and living organisms.
  
• HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane): Another flame retardant that accumulates and persists in the environment.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

These long-living gasses are used in refrigeration and as propellants and are regulated primarily due to their ozone-depleting properties.

Siloxanes

• D4 (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane) and D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane): Used in personal care products and industrial applications, these are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms.

With this many different forever chemicals in the products we use, it’s important to be aware of the damaging effects they can have on the human body.

How toxic are PFAS to humans?

PFAS have been linked to various toxic effects in humans, with both direct health impacts and widespread environmental contamination. Here are some examples of their toxicity to humans:

• Kidney cancer risk: Exposure to PFAS has been associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer. Studies suggest that these chemicals can accumulate in the kidneys over time. This risk is particularly concerning in areas where tap water is contaminated with PFAS.
  
• Liver toxicity: PFAS have been shown to accumulate in the liver and can lead to liver damage. Human studies have indicated links between PFAS exposure and liver dysfunction. These findings are backed by animal studies that reveal liver toxicity after exposure to high levels of PFAS​.
  .
• Immune system suppression: PFAS are also linked to immune system suppression, which reduces the body’s ability to fight infections and potentially lowers the effectiveness of vaccines. This effect has been observed in both human and animal studies.
  
• Developmental delays in children: Another significant concern is the effect of PFAS on child development. Exposure during pregnancy has been associated with developmental delays. These include low birth weight and potential impacts on cognitive development later in life​.

These toxic effects arise due to the bioaccumulative nature of PFAS, meaning they build up in the body over time because they are not easily broken down and excreted by our natural elimination processes.

How do PFAS get into our bodies?

PFAS can enter the human body through various exposure pathways. Once inside, they tend to accumulate in certain organs due to their persistence and chemical structure. Here are two specific examples:

Exposure through drinking water

One of the most common ways PFAS enter the body is through contaminated drinking water. PFAS have been detected in groundwater and public water supplies near industrial sites, military bases, and areas with heavy use of firefighting foams. 

Once consumed, PFAS are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and can circulate throughout the body.

PFAS tend to accumulate particularly in the kidneys. These chemicals are not easily excreted and, over time, can lead to higher concentrations in this organ.

Exposure through food packaging

PFAS are also found in certain types of food packaging as well, like fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags, which can leach chemicals into the food. When ingested, these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body.

PFAS also accumulate significantly in the liver, where they can disrupt lipid metabolism, contribute to fatty liver disease, and potentially elevate cholesterol levels. The liver’s role in filtering out toxins makes it particularly susceptible to long-term PFAS accumulation.

These pathways show how easily PFAS can enter and persist in key organs, leading to chronic health issues over time.

What can we do to minimize health risks from PFAS?

The dangers to our health posed by PFAS are alarming. However, to mitigate or eliminate the risk of PFAS exposure, we can adopt specific preventive behaviors for each of the health risks mentioned above.

Preventing kidney cancer risk from PFAS in water

• Install water filters: Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter systems can dramatically reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. Filters certified by NSF/ANSI Standards 53 or 58 are proven to be effective.
  
• Check local water quality: Many communities have access to data about PFAS contamination levels in public water systems. Regularly check reports and, if contamination is detected, install a filter or consider switching to bottled water (in glass instead of plastic bottles) from a reliable source​.
  
• Advocate for local cleanups: Work with local environmental groups to push for the cleanup of contaminated water supplies and industrial sites to reduce overall exposure risks in the community.

Preventing liver damage from exposure to PFAS

• Avoid products containing PFAS: Reduce exposure by choosing PFAS-free products. This includes avoiding non-stick cookware made with Teflon, water-resistant clothing, and stain-resistant carpets or furniture. Look for products labeled “PFAS-free.” 

Here is an excellent free guide to choosing foods and household products that are safe and healthy. This guide is one of a number of helpful offerings from Mamavation, an eco-wellness website and community focused on helping families choose non-toxic products and reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday items. Part Two of this series will profile Mamavation.

• Limit fast food and packaged foods: Some food packaging contains PFAS, particularly fast-food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags. Reducing your intake of these items can minimize your exposure.​

Minimizing immune system suppression from PFAS

• Limit exposure to dust: PFAS can accumulate in household dust. Regularly vacuuming using a HEPA filter and dusting with damp cloths can help reduce the amount of PFAS-contaminated dust in your home.​
  
• Eat a varied diet: PFAS can also accumulate in certain foods, particularly fish. To limit exposure, diversify your diet and avoid fish from regions known to have PFAS-contaminated waters​.

Preventing developmental delays in children from PFAS

• Avoid PFAS in consumer products: Pregnant women should be especially cautious about PFAS exposure by avoiding products that may contain these chemicals. This includes cosmetics, dental floss, and certain fabrics​.
  
• Test household water supplies: Since PFAS in drinking water can harm developing fetuses, making sure your water is safe through filtration or switching to a reliable water source is essential during pregnancy​.

By implementing these preventative behaviors, you can significantly reduce your exposure to PFAS and mitigate associated health risks.

How Europe is reining in PFAS

The European Union has led global efforts to restrict PFAS. The EU plans to ban non-essential uses of PFAS by 2025. Moreover, individual member countries like Denmark and Sweden have enacted strict bans, such as Denmark’s prohibition of PFAS in food packaging. 

In general, Europe’s precautionary approach to the PFAS threat prioritizes health over economic concerns.

Creative EU strategies to combat PFAS

Here is a sampling of strategies different sectors are using to address the challenges posed by PFAS:

• Industry collaboration in developing PFAS alternatives: Denmark and the Netherlands have partnered with industries to promote the development of safer alternatives to PFAS. For example, an initiative supported by Dutch and Belgian authorities works with manufacturers to identify and transition to fluorine-free products, particularly in applications such as firefighting foam. 

The challenging transition to new firefighting foams free of PFAS requires removing all residual PFAS from existing firefighting equipment before refilling the equipment with new F3 foams. These new foams have been developed to meet fire performance standards without the use of fluoroorganic compounds that contain PFAS.​

• Consumer transparency and labeling requirements: Some European countries have implemented policies that require companies to disclose the presence of PFAS in products. This transparency empowers consumers to make informed decisions and creates market pressure for companies to find PFAS-free alternatives. 

For instance, France has implemented labeling regulations for textiles that indicate the presence of hazardous chemicals, including PFAS.

• Litigation and public awareness campaigns: Litigation has also played a role in improving government regulation of PFAS. In both the US and Europe, lawsuits have pushed companies and governments to act. 

In Europe, environmental organizations such as ChemSec and ClientEarth have launched campaigns to raise awareness of PFAS risks and hold polluters accountable. These efforts have put pressure on policymakers to tighten regulations and enforce bans.

Federal and state initiatives in the US to restrict PFAS 

In recent years, the US has ramped up efforts to regulate PFAS. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed limits on several PFAS chemicals in drinking water and introduced the PFAS Strategic Roadmap to coordinate research, restrictions, and remediation. 

While the US has lagged behind Europe, it is now working to catch up with these initiatives aimed at better controlling PFAS contamination.

Several states, including California and Maine, have also led the way with their own bans and restrictions, which often exceed federal standards. 

Additionally, public lawsuits against chemical manufacturers, such as the $3 billion settlement with 3M over PFAS contamination, have pressured industries to adopt safer practices. 

However, industries dependent on PFAS for product durability have resisted, arguing that bans could disrupt supply chains and that certain PFAS compounds are necessary for critical applications like medical devices. Though alternatives are being developed for these applications, skepticism remains about their safety.

Can the battle against PFAS be won?

Despite the formidable challenge posed by PFAS, there is growing hope for a cleaner, healthier future. Governments, industries, and consumers are coming together to phase out these dangerous chemicals and find safer alternatives. 

Stricter regulations, innovative technologies, and public awareness are all accelerating progress toward reducing PFAS contamination in our water, food, and environment. As more voices join the call for change, the momentum continues to build. 

With persistence and collaboration, we can reclaim a world where human health and environmental integrity are protected for present and future generations.

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