HEALTH FILE
NO HAPPILY EVER AFTER WITH “FOREVER CHEMICALS”
PFAs, used in the making of nonstick pans, takeout/disposable containers, etc., pose serious health risks. Image credit: LEO WILSON on Unsplash.
By AAMINAH NAJMUS SAHAR
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs, are also known as “forever chemicals”. These are man-made chemicals used in industries and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s.
They include more than 10,000 man-made substances that are long-lasting and don’t break down; when they do decompose, it is at an extremely slow pace. This highlights the beneficial properties of PFAs – their long-lasting nature, and accounts for wide use. The bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms in the structure of PFAs are the strongest bond in chemistry, which makes PFAs resistant to water and moderate heat, and allows them to last longer in the environment.
PFAs are used in the making of nonstick pans, takeout / disposable containers, water resistant clothing, waterproof cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, nylon clothes like yoga pants, quick dry clothing, stain resistant fabrics, fire-fighting foams, grease, water and oil resistant products, etc. They are also widely used in industries like airlines, manufacturing factories, refineries, etc.
They can seep into the soil, air, and water upon their use and production. This leads to a long-lasting environmental presence, leading to studies analyzing water from freshwater bodies, wastewater, fish, soil, and air to determine the amount of PFAs in the environment. The levels are highest in polluted regions, areas closer to airports, industries, etc. Individuals working in certain industries are subjected to occupational exposure to PFAs; in addition to this, they also pose a health concern to the rest of the population due to their widespread use as PFAs from the environment can easily enter humans through water, food, and air. Thus, it is important to drink clean, filtered water (water should be filtered using reverse osmosis or an activated carbon filter if there is a doubt of PFAs in water), thoroughly cook/steam the food and vegetables, and install air purifiers if living in a polluted environment.
Occasional exposure to minute quantities of harmful substances is usually not significantly detrimental to health, but PFAs are widely prevalent and integrated into today’s environment and lifestyle in such a way that they lead to accumulation in the body due to long-term exposure. This long-term accumulation of PFAs is dangerous and may lead to a negative impact on health including:
Cancers. Exposure to PFAs is associated with increased risk of certain types of cancers, especially kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and breast cancer. PFAs can damage DNA, disrupt hormonal balance, weaken the immune system, alter cell growth, development, and inhibit cell repair, thereby increasing the risk of cancer.
Decreased fertility. PFAs are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) and are associated with decreased fertility in both men and women. They decrease the gamete – egg and sperm quality – and can cause hormonal disruption, PCOS in women, and poor sperm quality in men. Some studies have shown that PFAs are associated with increased risk of endometriosis and early menopause in women.
Risks during pregnancy. PFA exposure is associated with increased blood pressure and preeclampsia in pregnancy, decreased fetal and infant growth and lower birth weight in babies. Babies can be exposed to PFAs before they are born through the mother, while breastfeeding or formula feeding with PFAs-contaminated water.
Developmental issues. PFA exposure is associated with lower cognitive and motor skills and behavioral issues in children, decreased immune function and increased risk of infections, and thyroid disruption leading to hypothyroidism.
In addition to this, PFA exposure is also associated with high cholesterol, inflammation, increased risk of ulcerative colitis, and liver diseases.
So what can be done to avoid PFAs’ exposure? Due to its widespread prevalence, elimination of PFAs exposure may not be possible, but limiting its exposure is crucial to prevent accumulation in the body.
To limit exposure to PFAs:
• Avoid cooking in nonstick pans. Switch to stainless steel or cast-iron cookware.
• Avoid storing food in plastic/take-out containers. Switch to stainless steel or glass containers. Especially avoid microwaving/ heating food in plastic containers. Avoid plastic cutlery.
• Switch to cleaner, PFA-free cosmetics and feminine hygiene products.
• Avoid food packaged in materials containing PFAs, avoid processed food, eat well-washed and well-cooked food, drink filtered water, and avoid using disposable water bottles. Switch to glass/stainless steel bottles.
• Avoid consuming fish and seafood from contaminated water bodies.
• Avoid stain-resistant and waterproof clothes and fabrics.
• Switch to safer and PFA-free cleaning products.
• Check the labels of products and avoid products containing PFA.
• Wash your hands after using PFA-containing products.
• Avoid living near industries with PFA-contaminated air, water, and soil, and avoid consuming food grown in regions with PFAs contaminated soil and water.
Eliminating PFAs from our lives may seem like a daunting task, but consider it one step at a time. Start by switching to safer alternatives like glass/ stainless steel cookware, utensils, and containers, switching to clean cosmetics, hygiene products, and cleaning products, eating fresh and healthy food, and avoiding processed food.
Given the harm associated with the use of PFAs, it is best to avoid PFA exposure as much as possible, no matter the inconvenience it may cause. Governments are also taking steps to regulate the production and use of PFAs. These steps can help in preventing the toxic accumulation of PFAs thereby reducing the risk of numerous diseases and improving the health of today’s population and future generations
• Aaminah Najmus Sahar is a medical writer and reviewer with a Pharm.D. In her blog Medscetera, she posts about healthcare topics. She is passionate about helping people make informed health choices.