Have you heard about PFAs? These chemicals are being discussed more often nowadays for a good reason! PFAs, or per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, have received the alarming term “forever chemicals” due to their ability to last in the atmosphere and our bodies for a very long time.
Fortunately, there are many effective measures you can take to minimize exposure to PFAs, and we’re here to help.
What Are PFAs and What Makes Them So Risky?
PFAs are synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in many consumer goods, such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, and water-resistant clothing. However, while they have made life easy for us, there’s a rising fear of possible harmful effects on health and the environment. These chemicals have been connected to a variety of health problems, from cancer to hormone disruption. They are not easily broken down and can stay in the air, water, and soil for years, contributing to broad exposure. Teflon, the most well-known member of the PFA family, is used in nonstick cookware, but it can also be found in fast food packaging and water-repellent coats.
But you may be wondering, how do they enter our bodies? We can be exposed to them through tainted air, water, food, and consumer goods. Since these chemicals are so resilient, the effects can be long-term. Thankfully, there are many measures we can take to reduce exposure to PFAs.
Be Cautious with Drinking Water
One of the most common ways people are exposed to PFAs is through drinking tainted water. This contamination is mainly due to military bases, industrial sites, or wastewater treatment facilities, where PFAs have been used widely.
How to reduce exposure through drinking water:
- Test your water: If you live in a region with known PFA contamination or are close to industrial areas, consider testing your water for PFAs.
- Reduce Drinking Bottled Water: Although bottled water may seem like a good option, it can also sometimes contain PFAs.
- Fix a water filter: The best method to lessen PFAs in your drinking water is to use a high-quality water filter. Activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and distillation systems can reduce PFA levels.
Select Food Wisely
PFAs can get into our bodies through tainted food items. For instance, fast food packing frequently comprises PFAs to make the packages resistant to grease. Moreover, certain kinds of seafood can be a reason for PFAs, especially if they’ve been caught in tainted waters.
How to reduce exposure through food:
- Wash vegetables and fruits properly: If you’re worried about food PFA exposure, wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Although this won’t eradicate PFAs, it can eliminate some surface contamination.
- Get fresh or frozen food instead of packaged food: Select fresh or frozen food over packaged food items in PFAs-treated packages. Similarly, avoid microwave popcorn bags that might be treated with PFAs.
- Reduce eating fast food and takeout: Fast food and takeout wrappers frequently have PFAs, especially burger wrappers, pizza boxes, and popcorn bags. Cutting back on these food items can help lessen exposure.
- Diversify your diet: Having different kinds of food can decrease the risk of PFA buildup from at least one source, particularly related to seafood. Therefore, try to eat a variety of fish and seafood from diverse sources.
Watch out for Stain and Water-Resistant Products
PFAs are frequently used in products made to resist stains, water, or grease. Everything in the house, from your cushions to outdoor equipment, can potentially contain PFAs. The issue is that these goods can emit PFAs into your house or environment with time.
How to minimize exposure via textiles and fabrics:
- Beware of open-air gear: Waterproof shoes, jackets, and tents might consist of PFAs. If you’re worried about exposure, obtain gear categorized as “PFC-free” or “PFAs-free,” meaning it’s been made without these dangerous chemicals.
- Examine your fabrics: Before purchasing new clothing or furniture, examine the tags to determine if the item has been treated with stain- or water-resistant coatings.
- Select untreated materials: Select natural, untreated materials such as wool, cotton, and linen. While they may be affected by spills, they present fewer dangers of chemical exposure.
Select Harmless Personal Care Products
Various personal care products, such as waterproof mascara or sunscreen, can have PFAs. These chemicals make products more durable. However, these also increase the odds of getting inside your body with time.
How to reduce exposure through personal care products:
- Read the ingredients: Purchase products whose tags don’t contain “fluoro” or “perfluoro,” which indicate that the product comprises PFAs.
- Utilize mineral-based sunscreen: Mineral-based sunscreen is the best and the safest. Purchase sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they do not contain PFAs.
- Select “clean” or organic products: Several clean beauty products have started to eliminate harmful chemicals from their products. Selecting organic or all-natural makeup and personal care products can minimize your exposure to PFAs and other chemicals.
Beware of Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick cooking utensils, such as Teflon pans, are possibly one of the most common sources of PFA exposure. While Teflon itself may no longer hold the most harmful forms of PFAs, older pans or low-priced substitutes may still release all these chemicals when overheated or scratched.
How to minimize exposure through cookware:
- Use safer cookware: If you’re using nonstick pans, consider switching them for substitutes made from stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. Such cookware doesn’t carry PFAs and won’t release harmful chemicals when heated.
- Look for any damage: Even tiny scrapes in nonstick cookware can cause chemicals to leak. If your pans are beginning to show damage, it’s time to change them.
- Don’t overheat nonstick pans: If you’re not prepared to put away your nonstick pans, at least avoid overheating them. High heat can cause the nonstick coating to break down and release poisonous vapors. Stick to low—to medium-heat settings to be on the safe side.
Focus On the Air Quality of Your House
Although not often talked about, airborne PFAs can also contribute to exposure. These chemicals can settle into home dust, particularly in houses with tainted water or products such as carpets or covered furniture.
How to reduce exposure in your house:
- Clean your house frequently: Dusting often and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can help lessen airborne particles, including PFAs.
- Use air purifiers: Using air purifiers with a HEPA filter can also minimize PFAs in your house.
- Give your living areas some air: The right amount of ventilation can keep the air in your house fresh and reduce the absorption of airborne chemicals.
Conclusion
While it may sound daunting to consider PFAs and their persistence in our atmosphere, the good news is that there are practical measures you can take to minimize your exposure to PFAs and other chemicals. By being conscious of your products and the atmosphere around you, you can take charge of your health and well-being and minimize the harmful effects of forever chemicals on your life!
