Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are nearly ubiquitous in modern life. Found in various products and environments, PFAS have contaminated the bloodstream of 98% of Americans, as reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. These chemicals are known for their persistence, largely due to their robust carbon-fluorine bonds, allowing them to accumulate in the human body.
Sources and Exposure
PFAS contamination is widespread. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies several common sources, including drinking water, soil near waste sites, fire extinguishing foam, food packaging, household dust, personal care products, biosolids, and facilities that produce or use PFAS. Humans are exposed primarily through drinking, eating, and breathing.
Health Effects
The health impacts of PFAS exposure are significant and varied. Dr. Catherine Karr, an environmental epidemiologist and pediatric environmental medicine specialist at the University of Washington, notes that our understanding of PFAS effects comes from both animal studies and observational human studies. This research indicates a range of health issues:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Decreased birth weights
- Reduced immune response to vaccines
- Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy
- Higher risk of thyroid disease
- Liver enzyme changes indicating potential liver damage
- Increased risk of testicular and kidney cancers
PFAS can transfer through the placenta and breast milk, posing a particular risk to young children, who consume more water, food, and air relative to their body weight compared to adults.
Diagnostic Challenges
Diagnosing PFAS-related health issues is challenging due to the overlap with other medical and environmental factors. This complexity means that physicians must carefully consider environmental factors during patient evaluations. At the University of Washington Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic, doctors are encouraged to take detailed environmental and occupational histories to assess potential high exposure to PFAS.
Testing and Prevention
Testing for PFAS is possible in both water and blood. However, prevention remains a key strategy. Dr. Karr suggests several measures to reduce exposure:
- Investigate if your drinking water is contaminated with PFAS.
- Ensure children wash their hands after playing outside.
- Control dust in the home using wet mopping and damp dusting.
- Avoid consumer products that may contain PFAS.
- Replace nonstick cookware, especially when coatings begin to degrade.
- Avoid fast food and food products with grease-resistant packaging.
- Steer clear of water-resistant clothing and stain-resistant treated furniture and carpets.
- Avoid consuming fish from waters with known PFAS contamination.
Future Concerns
Dr. Karr expresses concern about the widespread exposure to PFAS and the continuous identification of associated health problems. As a pediatrician, she is particularly worried about the impact of early life exposure on healthy growth and development.
PFAS present a pervasive and persistent threat to human health. While efforts to mitigate exposure are essential, continued research and policy changes are crucial in addressing the full scope of their impact. Awareness and proactive measures can help individuals reduce their risk while the scientific community works towards broader solutions.
To combat PFAS contamination in drinking water, reverse osmosis filtration and whole-home water conditioners are effective solutions. Reverse osmosis systems can remove up to 99% of PFAS, ensuring safer drinking water. Whole-home water conditioners, while primarily used to soften water, can also aid in reducing certain contaminants, including PFAS, when combined with appropriate filtration systems. These technologies provide a practical means of protecting households from the harmful effects of PFAS exposure.
Source: The Spokesman-Review