PFAS Contamination – What PFAS Is and How You Can Avoid It

PFAS News and Regulation Updates

September 2023 – At least 33 states have enacted policies limiting or banning the use of PFAS. 27 state attorney generals have filed lawsuits against manufacturers for their use of PFAS.

August 2023 – A study by the U.S. The Geological Survey indicates that up to 45% of the nation’s water supply is contaminated with PFAS chemicals. 

May 2023 – Minnesota enacts legislation to ban products with intentionally added PFAS. The full ban will take effect in 2032. 

June 2022 – The Environmental Protection Agency revises its Health Advisory Levels (HALs), noting that the risk of negative health outcomes occurs at levels much lower than previously understood by the Agency. 

July 2021 – Maine becomes the first state to enact legislation to ban intentionally added PFAS in products. The ban will become effective in 2030.

February 2019 – The Environmental Protection Agency releases a PFAS plan. The plan is dismissed as ineffective at preventing PFAS in the nation’s water supply or consumer products. Absent comprehensive federal reform, states begin to consider banning PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam. Several states also consider other PFAS regulations, such as  limiting the levels of PFAS to be allowed in drinking levels. 

November 2016 – The Environmental Protection Agency establishes health advisories for PFOA and PFOS. PFOAs and PFOSs are part of a larger group of “forever” chemicals known as PFASs. The EPA also updates their known health effects from exposure to these chemicals. PFAS in the news for potential harm to humans. 

February 2014 – The EPA releases known health effects for PFOAs and Perfluorooctane Sulfonates (PFOSs).

January 2009 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues provisional health advisories for the levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). The provisional health advisories state that the link between exposure to PFOAs and adverse health outcomes is inconclusive. PFAS news circulates about the potential dangers.

What Is PFAS?

PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made or synthetic chemicals used across the globe in various industries since the 1940s. The chemicals are composed of carbon and fluorine atoms linked in a strong bond, rendering them persistent in the environment. They are used throughout the manufacturing process and in consumer products. Studies show that they are also found in the nation’s water supply.

PFAS does not refer to a single chemical. PFAS stands for a group of substances containing thousands of chemicals, including well-studied ones like PFOA and PFOS. Often referred to as “forever” chemicals, these substances are persistent, breaking down slowly and accumulating over time in the environment, humans, and animals.

Due to their wide usage and persistence, they are found across the globe in various elements, including water, air, soil, and even in the blood of humans and animals. PFAS has been linked to potentially harmful health effects in both humans and animals. Several states have enacted legislation banning or limiting the use of PFAS in products. Unfortunately, the vast number of PFAS chemicals and their presence in a wide range of products makes it challenging to study and assess potential risks to human health and the environment.

What Chemicals Are in PFAS?

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines PFAS as “ fluorinated substances that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom (without any H/Cl/Br/I atom attached to it).” There are at least 4,730 distinct PFASs with at least three perfluorinated carbon atoms. It is believed, however, that there are tens of thousands, if not millions, unique PFAS chemical compounds.

List of PFAS Chemicals:

While PFOA and PFOS have generally been phased out of production in the United States, they are still likely in production in other countries.

PFAS Contamination in the Military

In April 2022, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that they would phase out the use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam Usage (AFFF) at their military bases. AFFF is a fire-extinguishing agent that is known to contain PFAS (primarily PFOA and PFOS). 

The Department of Defense began using AFFF in the 1970s as a way to fight fuel fires. The use of the PFAS-containing fire-extinguishing agent is believed to have contributed to significant groundwater contamination on military bases nationwide. It is estimated that over 700 military sites in the country have been affected. 

Despite acknowledging the dangers of PFAS exposure and that there are hundreds of contaminated military locations, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not provide automatic coverage for veterans exposed to the toxic chemical. Cases are decided on a case-by-case basis. Legislation was introduced in June 2023 to require the VA to provide health care services to veterans exposed to PFAS. The Veterans Exposed to Toxic (VET) PFAS Act would require coverage for illnesses related to PFAS military contamination. 

Common PFAS Exposures in the Military

Individuals who suffered military PFAS exposure may be entitled to compensation. The primary way veterans were exposed to forever chemicals was through contaminated drinking water. The military’s continued use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam Usage (AFFF) or firefighting foam caused significant run-off into the environment and water supply. 

Military Sources of PFAS:

PFAS military contamination is thought to be widespread, with countless veterans and their families suffering irreparable harm. Despite federal agencies such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) noting the potential health risks of PFAS-containing products in 2019, the military continues to use them.

Military Bases with PFAS Contamination

A recent Department of Defense study shows that over 175,000 service members are exposed annually to dangerous PFOA and PFOS levels at 24 installations. Water tests showed that PFAS concentrations exceeded both the past (70 ppt) and current (1 ppt) EPA safety standards.

List of Military Bases with PFAS Contamination:

These are only a few of the PFAS military bases. The Pentagon has made slow progress with its cleanup initiatives. Tragically, PFAS-containing products continue to be used by our military. You may be entitled to compensation if you had military toxic exposure.

PFAS Symptoms and Health Effects

In humans, exposure to PFAS can have continuing adverse health effects. The forever chemicals build up in the body over time from food or drink consumption. The health impacts of PFAS are widespread and deeply concerning. 

Studies indicate that PFAS can lead to:

PFAS has been linked with an increased risk of kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer. If you suffer from PFAS symptoms or the negative health effects of PFAS, you may be entitled to financial recovery. 

How to Avoid PFAS

Because the chemicals do not break down easily, it can be hard to completely avoid PFAS exposure, but you can limit it. The best way to avoid PFAS chemicals and exposure is by prioritizing reducing exposure through drinking water and food. It is important to know that the body does eliminate PFAS over time. Therefore, a reduction in exposure can help reduce the negative impacts of the forever chemicals. 

You can also learn how to avoid PFAS by researching the PFAS levels in your local water supply or using NSF/ANSI-certified filters for purification. Avoid swallowing water from natural water bodies, and always wash your hands after contact with foams or water from natural water sources such as rivers, lakes, and streams. Be sure to rinse or shower after being in one of these bodies of water. 

Since PFAS are frequently used in food packaging, you may want to consider reducing your intake of fast food and takeout in order to limit exposure to PFAS. It is also recommended that you transfer food out of packaging and reheat it in your own container. Stain-resistant products should be avoided, and check to make sure that your cookware is PFAS-free. 

List of Products with PFAS

Products with PFAS are found on shelves throughout the United States. It can be challenging to know which products contain PFAS since it may be listed as a specific chemical. 

List of products with PFAS:

While many products and textiles contain PFAS, one of the most common ways people are exposed is through their drinking water. Decades of use of PFAS have led to the contamination of groundwater in the United States, eventually entering our water supply. Get more information about what to do if you were exposed at a military base or another location.

What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to PFAS

If you have been exposed to PFAS, you should obtain a blood test to know your current PFAS levels. While the test does not determine “safe” or “unsafe” levels, it can help you assess the severity of your exposure.

In the event that you are experiencing adverse health effects from PFAS exposure, you should consult with a doctor. You should also discuss potential legal actions with a lawyer if exposure is due to negligence. 

While PFAS chemicals are hard to completely eradicate from your body, removing the source of PFAS exposure from your environment can help. Unfortunately, most people in the U.S. have measurable levels of PFAS due to its common usage in various products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)