What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl)?
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Today we are talking just a bit about the extremely toxic family of man-made chemicals known as forever chemicals, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Who would have thought that when DuPont introduced Teflon to the world in 1945, the family of chemicals would end up contaminating our home with toxic products, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land, and the food we eat. It is said that these chemicals can be found in the bodies of 99 percent of Americans, and people all over the world. Because these man-made chemicals are very, very slow to breakdown, some scientists call them Forever Chemicals. Here is what you need to know about these unfortunate creations.
First discovered in the 1930s by accident, and later commercialized by 3M and DuPont, forever chemicals otherwise known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a set of man-made chemicals now comprising of an estimated 14,000 different variations, that went unregulated until the early 2000s.
The family of chemicals were kept from the Environmental Protection Agency until the late 1990s.
This deadly set of extremely toxic chemicals are known for their strength, stain resistance and water resistance ability.
PFAS are difficult to detect because they are odorless, colorless and tasteless.
They are widely utilized in consumer and industrial products.
Companies have long used these chemicals to make products without listing them on labels.
This family of chemicals are recognized as human carcinogens.
Common products containing PFAS include non-stick cookware, carpet, clothes, fast food wrappers and packaging, computer chips, toilet paper, waterproof cosmetics, water-resistant clothing, stain-proof textiles, stain-resistant carpet, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, waterproof sunscreen, glass and hard surface cleaners, carpet cleaners, floor polishes and wax, dish washing rinse aids, air fresheners and aerosol propelant based cleaners, just to name a few.
90% of drinking water in the U.S. contains PFAS.
No one has been able to identified a safe level of PFAS chemicals.
Beware of products that are stain-resistant, waterproof, easy care, grease-resistant, and non-stick.
PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, affecting multiple organ systems. They are linked to various cancers that include, kidney, testicular and liver cancer, as well as liver toxicity, low birth weight, accelerated puberty, reduced fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension, impair the immune system, reducing vaccine effectiveness, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, reduced kidney function, high cholesterol, colitis, and neurodegenerative issues in children.
In 2024, the first federal nationwide regulations for PFAS chemicals were finally adopted by the EPA.
There is still so much the EPA does not know about this family of man-made chemicals. They have no idea how to remove them from drinking water, how to manage or dispose of them, or how to better detect them in the air, water and on land.
Here are a few steps you can take to protect you and your family. Try installing PFAS drinking water filters, and avoid non-stick cookware, as well as water resistant, stain-resistant and easy care products. Using certified filters that are effective against PFAS should also help.
As always, Houston Organic Move In Move Out Cleaning Service thank you for visiting us today. If you are looking for a sustainable Eco friendly cleaning service to take care of your move-in or move out cleaning, call us today 713 705 8314. We are always 100% toxic free, 100% fume free, 100% fragrance free, 100% chemical free and 100% allergen free. Safe for the environment. Until next time…
Source: Yale Sustainability PFAS forever chemicals explained | Source: PBS FrontLine | Source: EWG | Source: EPA
