Midwest Mary

Nonstick cookware, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, grease-resistant food packaging, and stain-resistant furniture, rugs, and bedding,

As so often the way, the ingenuity of humanity solves one problem only to lead to our detriment. PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl compounds) were created to “improve” products such as by designing cookware that is resistant to sticking, leak-resistant paper for wrapping fast food and baked goods, and bedding that is waterproof. However, the drawback of the chemical compounds in these products is that they are difficult to break down, therefore remaining in our environment indefinitely.

These “forever chemicals” are now in our waterways, drinking water, soil, and air as well as in us. We gradually absorb them over time. In fact, 98% of the human population, including newborns, have forever chemicals in their bodies. And such chemicals, even in small doses, are toxic.

Human and animal studies show PFAS can cause cancer (kidney, liver, pancreatic, and testicular), endocrine disruption, liver and thyroid problems, interference with the effect of vaccines, increased cholesterol, reproductive problems, low birth weight, and abnormal fetal development.

The search for methods to remove forever chemicals from drinking water is ongoing. Conventional water treatment methods have not yet been able to destroy PFAS. In some cases, they make it worse. PFAS molecules are difficult to break down because they contain a very strong carbon-fluorine bond.

Fermilab, America’s particle physics and accelerator laboratory, recently offered hope in solving the problem. Fermi is currently collaborating with 3M and has demonstrated that an electron beam can destroy that bond in the two most common types of PFAS in water.

Until more is known, EWG (Environmental Working Group) urges people to avoid all products with PFAS, including cosmetics and personal care products. If a product label lists an ingredient with “fluoro” in the name, it is a clue that the product likely contains PFASs. Products can be searched on the EWG’s Skin Deep site for safety ratings.

You can find more information on forever chemicals on the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), and EWG sites.

*Recent article from The Guardian
*Photo by Mary K. Doyle
*Photo: Yorkville, IL
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©2024, Mary K. Doyle