What Are PFAS? How To Safeguard Your Family Against Contaminated Drinking Water
By Marilee Nelson |
Many of the everyday items we interact with (think takeout containers, carpets, camping equipment, nail polish, lipstick, upholstered furniture, non-stick pans, umbrellas, rain gear, and so much more) may have something in common; they may contain harmful synthetic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also referred to as the "everywhere chemical" or the "forever chemical."
Unfortunately, these chemicals have found their way into many of our surroundings, with one seeming to be the most detrimental: our municipal water supplies.
This poses a significant risk to public health.
In this blog post, we'll shed light on the prevalence and dangers of PFAS and discuss practical ways to protect ourselves and our families.
So, let’s dive right in!
The Pervasive Presence of PFAS
PFAS were originally invented by chemists in the 1950s to create versatile materials with unique properties that could be used in various industrial and commercial applications.
Chemists discovered that the carbon-fluorine bond in PFAS provided exceptional resistance to heat, water, oil, and other chemicals, making them highly attractive for manufacturing products with non-stick, water repellency, and stain and grease resistant properties.
It was a one-of-a-kind substance, and companies were excited to adopt PFAS into their product lines. Some early products with PFAS included non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and fire-fighting foams.
Today, there are approximately 9,000 PFAS chemicals in existence. That’s right, 9,000[1]
Of all of those thousands, the most common are Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA).
So what is wrong with these chemicals?
PFAS are not degradable, and they ultimately accumulate in our environment and bodies over time. When ingested or absorbed, PFAS can actually build up in our organs and tissues[2][3]
The carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS make them highly stable, allowing them to resist breakdown processes in the body. As a result, PFAS have a long life, meaning it takes a significant amount of time for the body to eliminate them.
All You Need To Know About PFAS
Where do PFAS come from?
Manufacturing and treatment sites are the major contributors to PFAS pollution, releasing these chemicals into water supplies and the air.
In the US, over 41,000 sites are known to emit PFAS.[4]
Where Are Forever Chemicals Hiding In Everyday Products?
PFAS are widespread and are found in various products today.
Some of the most common examples of products containing PFAS include:
- Water
- Household cleaning products
- Stain-resistant fabrics
- Food wrappers
- Non-stick cookware (even "green" brands)
- Carpets
- Outdoor gear
- Cosmetics
- And so many more
Even "green" labeled products are not necessarily safe due to limited regulation and incomplete disclosure. This is why it’s so important to understand the materials our products are made from and where they are made!
Related reading: Are They Greenwashing? How to Decipher a Brand's Sustainability Claims
What can we do to reduce PFAS exposure?
Many PFAS chemicals are SVOCs, which means they ride on dust.
Our best defense against PFAS chemicals, until we can remove all sources, is to HEPA vacuum regularly.
Related reading: How To Get Rid Of House Dust Naturally
The Health Risks Of PFAS Exposure
As mentioned previously, when our bodies take in PFAS chemicals, they do not readily degrade and end up accumulating in our bodies.
Almost all Americans have PFAS in their blood, and these chemicals have even been found in the umbilical cord blood of babies and breast milk.[5][6]
This is extremely unfortunate as the harmful effects of PFAS include (but are not limited to):[2][3][7][8]
- Endocrine disruption
- Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
- Liver and thyroid problems
- Reproductive issues such as birth defects and delayed puberty
As you can see, cumulative exposure to PFAS over time can significantly impact our health, making it crucial to avoid over-accumulation of these chemicals.
Forever Chemicals In Water: How To Protect Your Water Supply
Sadly, it is no longer safe to assume that tap water or bottled water is free from PFAS contamination.
While some progress has been made in Europe on banning PFAS, the U.S. government's actions have been slower.
Selecting an effective water filtration system is essential to remove PFAS from your drinking water and make your water safe for everyone in your family to drink.
It’s important to be cautious of over-the-counter and portable water filters, as many do not effectively filter out PFAS.
If you have the budget for it, consider investing in a quality whole-house water filter for maximum protection.
We talk much more in-depth about water filtration systems in our article How to Choose the Best Water Filter for Every Home and Budget, so make sure to check out that article.
Final Thoughts On Protecting Yourself From PFAS
Ensuring that essential resources like water and air stay pure and safe is vital for our health, and the health of our planet!
Relying solely on government regulations and restrictions isn't sufficient to keep our loved ones safe. That's why we must take diligent and proactive measures to prioritize the safety of our water supply.
Consider contacting Dr. Speiser of Clear Water Revival if you have questions about your water supply and PFAS contamination.
Let's continue to empower ourselves with education about PFAS and commit to a future where every individual has the fundamental right to access safe drinking water!
YOU have the power to make a difference. By making informed choices and taking action to minimize the impact of PFAS pollution, we can create healthier homes and a cleaner, greener future.
Want More Information On Reducing Chemical Exposure At Home?
Branch Basics Toss The Toxins Online Course will teach you how to identify, remove, and replace the most common (and less common) household toxins step-by-step.
Led by our co-founder, Marilee Nelson (that's me), a Board Certified Nutritionist, Certified Building-Biologist, and Building Materials Specialist, this course guides you through a 12+ video series broken down by categories to help you remove harmful products from your home. All at your own pace!
Click here to learn more and start creating a safer and healthier home today.
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Marilee Nelson
Marilee Nelson is an Environmental Toxins expert who has spent nearly 30 years advocating for the chemically-sensitive and chronically-ill. She is a Board Certified Nutritionist, Certified Bau-Biologist and Bau-Biology Inspector and specializes in Food As Medicine. She has helped thousands of families and individuals identify, heal and recover from toxic exposures and is on a mission to revolutionize the way American families view their health.
