By now, you might have heard of PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that are ubiquitous in our society. First manufactured in the 1940s, they’re in non-stick cookware, cleaning and personal care products, stain and water-resistant fabrics, fire extinguishing foam, product packaging and even dental floss.
Because PFAS (or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are so prevalent today, they’re also found in the soil, water and air – and, perhaps unsurprisingly, in the bloodstreams of humans and animals.
“PFAS are absorbed in our bodies and they don’t degrade easily, so there’s a risk of cumulative toxicity,” says Philip Kuriakose, M.D., a hematologist and medical oncologist at Henry Ford Health. “That’s why they’re called ‘forever chemicals.’”
The purported health effects of PFAS are widespread – and there is much still to learn. Here’s what we know about PFAS so far and how to reduce your exposure.
Are certain people at higher risk for PFAS toxicity than others?
“The risk of cumulative toxicity is perhaps greater for people in certain professions – for example, anyone working in a chemical plant where products containing PFAS are made,” says Dr. Kuriakose. “People who live near these factories might also be at higher risk, as inadvertent spillage could cause higher levels of PFAS in the soil and drinking water. Because PFAS are prevalent in the water, fish contain PFAS and those who work in fisheries may also be at higher risk.”
Geographically, PFAS are likely to be found at higher concentrations in areas with longer coastlines. Michigan, in fact, has higher levels of PFAS. Michigan was also one of the first states to understand that PFAS had adverse health effects and has since taken action to protect against PFAS contamination, including creating drinking water standards for allowable levels of PFAS.
That said, regardless of your profession or where you live, everyone has some level of risk for PFAS exposure, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports they are also found in:
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- Manufacturing or chemical production facilities that produce or use PFAS – this includes facilities that make chrome plating, electronics and certain textile and paper manufacturers
- Food – fish, yes, but also dairy products from livestock that were exposed to PFAS
- Food packaging – grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and candy wrappers
- Household products – stain and water repellent used on carpets, upholstery, clothing and other fabrics; cleaning products; paints, varnishes and sealants
- Personal care products – along with dental floss, certain shampoos and cosmetics contain PFAS
How might PFAS affect our health?
“PFAS can impact all areas of the body,” says Dr. Kuriakose. “This is why reported health effects of PFAS are wide-ranging, from cancer to hormonal and neurologic issues.”
Research has shown PFAS exposure may lead to:
- Reproductive issues such as decreased fertility
- Increased cholesterol and higher risk of obesity
- Developmental delays in children
- Reduced immune response, meaning a higher likelihood of illness
- Hormonal imbalances, as PFAS act as endocrine disruptors
- An increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney, GI, prostate and testicular
“If you look at the generation that grew up eating food from a farm or grocery store versus food that came prepackaged, the ‘prepackaged’ generation might be at higher risk of PFAS exposure, and in turn cancer – especially those who are already at a higher risk for cancer due to family history,” says Dr. Kuriakose. “Keep in mind, however, that a clear relationship between PFAS and health effects like cancer is still being studied. More likely than not, there is a certain threshold risk of these health issues.”
Are pregnant people and children particularly vulnerable to the effects of PFAS?
A: The EPA says those who are pregnant and breastfeeding are likely to ingest higher levels of PFAs, since they drink more water per pound of body weight. This is if PFAS are found in their drinking water.
Children are also more vulnerable to PFAS since they are growing and eat and drink more per pound of body weight than adults. Babies tend to put things in their mouths which also increases their risk for PFAS exposure – and formula and breastmilk that contain PFAS will pass to the baby.
What can we do to lower our PFAS exposure?
“First of all, keep in mind that even though we talk about PFAS exposure, it’s not like the average individual is exposed to a significant degree, as long as they live a reasonably well-balanced life,” says Dr. Kuriakose. What does this mean, exactly? Dr. Kuriakose shares his tips:
- Eat a well-rounded, varied diet. “If you are a pescetarian, for example, you might have a higher PFAS risk since fish contain PFAS,” says Dr. Kuriakose. “Be mindful about having a variety of foods on your plate.”
- Look up the likelihood of PFAS in certain products. If you’re unsure whether a particular item contains PFAS, there are websites you can use to determine the likelihood of PFAS contamination. The FDA also lists certain threshold levels that can help you determine exposure. “There have been many food items the FDA has had to raise concerns about,” says Dr. Kuriakose. “For example, clams were once brought into question.”
- Live a healthy life, plain and simple. “Get a good amount of exercise, fluids and sleep,” says Dr. Kuriakose. “Go outside in the fresh air. Build a baseline of health – take control of what you can take control of – and it will help you build resilience to environmental stressors.”
- Consume stored foods and leftovers in a short amount of time. “If you cook at home, store leftovers in glass containers,” says Dr. Kuriakose. “If you get takeout or use containers that might contain PFAS, don’t let them sit for too long because chemicals may seep from the packaging into the food.”
At the end of the day, don’t put too much pressure on yourself – an individual can only do so much. Ultimately, it’s up to our regulatory agencies to create laws to protect us from the dangerous health effects of PFAS. Luckily, the EPA is taking action.
“Also keep in mind that while we try to minimize our exposure, we don’t want to get so obsessed that it stresses us out too much,” says Dr. Kuriakose. “Rely on the fact that we have good studies that continue to question how truly concerning PFAS are – along with how we can mitigate these risks. And as long as we have these studies, I think we should be fine.”
Reviewed by Philip Kuriakose, M.D., a hematologist and medical oncologist who sees patients at Henry Ford Cancer – Detroit and Henry Ford Medical Center – Columbus.
