Francesca Biagioli There's a lot of talk about PFAS, but do you know which products you use every day (or almost every day) are actually found in them? Let's discover the main commonly used objects in which these dangerous and persistent chemical substances are hidden
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Over the last several years, people have become much more aware of PFAS-or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Commonly referred to in the United States as “forever chemicals” these compounds are known for their stunning resistance to water, grease, and stains, for which reason they’re found in a variety of common products.
The problem of PFAS is that it persists in the environment and in the human body due to their inability to break down easily; hence, it is considered harmful in water, soil, and even within our system through contaminated food or with things treated with these chemicals.
These studies have pointed out that the serious health effects from such chemicals include an increased risk of liver disease, problems with hormones, and disorders related to the immune system. With all these things in place, more and more concerns are growing over the presence of PFAS in commonly used products.
Where exactly do PFAS hide in our homes? Below are 10 such items which commonly contain these chemicals.
Non-stick pans
The most well-known products that contain PFAS probably come in the form of non-stick pans. Chemicals give a non-reactive surface on which food will not stick while cooking it. Although the utilization of PTFE-a type of PFAS-decreased in newer models, many low-priced or older pans still can release these chemicals into food.
Waterproof jackets and outdoor clothing
Water-resistant jackets and all the other functional clothes, like ski suits or hiking boots, may contain PFAS. The manufacturing companies treat apparel with PFAS to make them resistant to water and dirt.
Cosmetics
PFAS are part of many cosmetics, which include foundation, mascara, lipstick, and face creams, as the chemical is used to provide durability to the product and make it resistant to water. Their use in cosmetics has a number of concerns due to their potential skin absorption.
Contaminated food
PFAS have also been detected in various fish species and some foods like sea salt and even milk. The foods become contaminated because accumulated PFAS in animal or fish tissues occur when the water or soil is contaminated with such chemicals. Thus, consuming contaminated foods becomes another pathway for exposure to PFAS.
Food containers and packaging
Food itself isn’t the only potential source of PFAS contamination; its packaging can be contaminated too. Containers for take-out foods, pizza boxes, and food paper treated to be grease- or moisture-resistant often contain PFAS. By preventing oils and liquids from seeping through to the package, PFAS may migrate into the food, and into our bodies.
Carpets and rugs
Then again, PFAS occur in household items like carpets, rugs, and upholstery fabrics which have been treated to increase resistance to stains and make cleaning easier. The elements of exposure may be less direct than with food, cosmetics, or clothes, but certainly contact with such products results in exposures.
Printer cartridges and toner
Most office products, such as laser printer cartridges and toner, are made with PFAS. These are incorporated in improving print quality and long-lasting prints. Though these products are not in direct contact with our bodies, environmental pollution through their use contributes to the spread of PFAS.
Teflon Kitchen Tools
Besides non-stick pans, there are many other utensils commonly used in a kitchen that have a coating of PFAS, like Teflon-coated spatulas and ladles. Quite often, these utensils are indispensable to avoid food sticking during cooking; however, sometimes they emit micro-particles of PFAS under high heat exposure.
Parchment paper and food wraps
Other examples include parchment paper and food wraps, which are very common in kitchens. These materials undergo chemical treatment to help them overcome conditions such as high heat and moisture. Parchment paper used for wrapping baked or stored food may leach PFAS into food, especially under conditions of high temperatures.
Upholstery and mattresses
These include sofas, chairs, and mattresses, especially in the case of PFAS-based treatments to make them resistant to stains. The exposure might be gradual, with the passage of time, particularly if such furniture is frequently used or the treated surface gets destroyed.
Although one cannot always completely avoid certain products, like food packaging or waterproofed clothes, knowledge of PFAS alternatives will minimize exposure to them. Knowledge of where PFAS are hiding will provide an avenue leading to making knowledgeable choices in reducing our contact with these hazardous chemicals.
