PFAS, or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment. They’ve been used in many products since the 1940s and are found in water, soil, everyday products, and even Antarctica.
While many Americans might be familiar with the term, the extent of PFAS contamination is still not fully understood. The potential health risks linked to PFAS exposure are vast, from cancer to hormonal disruption. But there’s more to the story.
Here are four surprising facts about PFAS that every American should know.
1. PFAS Can Cause Sleep Disorders
One of the lesser-known effects of PFAS exposure is its potential link to sleep disorders. Recent studies reveal that exposure to high PFAS levels could disrupt your sleep. The Guardian reports that people with higher concentrations of PFAS in their blood are more likely to suffer from insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
PFAS interferes with hormones that control sleep cycles, like cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. When cortisol levels are disrupted, it is harder to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
This discovery highlights how these chemicals affect more than just physical health, they also affect mental well-being. Ongoing research suggests that the cumulative effect of poor sleep caused by PFAS exposure can worsen other health problems like Alzheimer’s.
2. It Could Take at Least 40 Years to Eliminate PFAS from Groundwater
Cleaning PFAS from groundwater is not easy. Current estimates suggest it could take at least four decades to remove these chemicals. According to Phys.org, North Carolina State University analyzed PFAS-contaminated groundwater from North Carolina’s Cumberland and Bladen counties.
The researchers used various techniques, like a PFAS dataset, groundwater age-tracking markers, and subsurface flow. Together, they estimated the PFAS levels in groundwater flowing to streams of the Cape Fear River in North Carolina.
They discovered two major chemicals, hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO−DA) and perfluoro-2-methoxy-propanoic acid (PMPA) in the water. Their concentrations were nearly 23 and 50 times permissible by drinking water standards.
Despite advances in filtration technology, PFAS persistence makes them extremely difficult to remove from water sources. The chemicals seep into groundwater from industrial sites and other contaminated areas, where they can remain for decades without breaking down.
This prolonged contamination is more than just an environmental problem. It directly affects the public water systems. The high cost of filtering PFAS means many communities face significant financial strain as they try to provide safe drinking water.
As the cleanup progresses, there has been increased attention to the PFAS lawsuit settlement amounts. These settlements come from holding companies liable for contamination. The settlements are crucial for funding the extensive and costly efforts to remove PFAS from public water supplies.
TorHoerman Law estimates that the settlements can vary from $20,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of the medical condition. If you’ve experienced prolonged exposure resulting in life-threatening cancers, you might qualify for substantial payouts. This is especially true in work-related exposure cases involving firefighters and military personnel.
3. It Can Be Found in Unexpected Products
You might expect to find PFAS in industrial products or packaging materials. However, many are surprised to learn that personal care items like panty liners and condoms also contain these chemicals.
For example, a recent lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court reveals that Carefree panty liners contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). FOX11 states that Ecological Alliance LLC launched the case against Edgewell Personal Care Brands LLC after conducting an independent lab test.
The plaintiff alleges that the product is a safety hazard due to its extensive contact with the vaginal area. This could cause the wearer to absorb toxic chemicals directly into the bloodstream, as the area is sensitive and permeable.
Another Mamavation study found that condoms and lubricants from 19 brands contained PFAS traces. Over 10% of tested condoms and 25% of lubricants had PFAS concentrations. The tested products had organic fluorine levels between 13 and 68 ppm, helping detect PFAS. The privates are the most sensitive areas of the human body, putting users at risk of long-term exposure.
What makes this alarming is consumers often have no idea they’re being exposed to these chemicals. With PFAS linked to cancer, hormonal imbalances, and immune system damage, consumers should be aware of their presence in everyday products.
4. Even Your Food Isn’t Safe
One of the most alarming aspects of PFAS contamination is its presence in our food. Research indicates that PFAS can enter the food supply through various sources, including food packaging and contaminated water. Studies have found high levels of PFAS in common foods and drink products.
For instance, Yahoo Finance reports that significant amounts of PFAS chemicals were found in individuals consuming white rice, eggs, red meat, seafood, and coffee. The research reveals every standard serving of these products would up the PFOS content in the bloodstream by nearly 4.5%. PFOA levels also increased by 3.3%, whereas PFDA concentrations rose by over 10%.
Over time, regularly consuming contaminated foods can lead to the buildup of PFAS in the body. This can contribute to serious health issues like liver damage, thyroid disease, and even certain cancers.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. How long does PFAS stay in the human body?
Your body takes between 2 and 7 years to eliminate half the PFAS in your system, depending on the specific compound. Some types, like PFOS and PFOA, take longer to clear. Regular blood tests can help track your PFAS levels.
Q2. Are there any regulations on PFAS?
Yes. In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances. This would require companies to report releases of these chemicals, which could lead to stricter cleanup standards. The EPA has also set health advisories for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.
Q3. How does PFAS enter the human body?
PFAS enters the human body primarily through contaminated food, water, and consumer products. These chemicals can also be absorbed through skin contact with products like personal care items or from using certain food wrappers or stain-resistant fabrics.
These findings show how PFAS affects your daily life in unexpected ways. PFAS chemicals are not only an environmental concern, they are a public health hazard. While you can’t control PFAS exposure, you can minimize it. Choose PFAS-free products when possible. Stay informed about new research and regulations.
The fact that it could take 40 years or more to clean up contaminated groundwater only underscores the seriousness of the problem. Remember, small changes in your shopping habits can make a difference. Support companies that commit to removing these chemicals from their products. Your choices today help create a safer future for everyone.
