7 Common Items Contaminated by Toxic Forever Chemicals
Less than a week ago - on July 22, 2021,
the US House passed bipartisan legislation regulating toxic PFAS
chemicals in drinking water. The PFAS Action Act of 2021 is the first
bill that mandates the regulation of these hazardous chemicals in the
environment. But despite their toxic impact on human health, these
chemicals can still be found in many common household items. Read on to
learn more about the places in your home where you can find these toxic
“forever chemicals.”
What are “forever chemicals,” or PFAS?
PFAS is the acronym for "polyfluoroalkyl substances," which is a group
of 5,000-7,000 artificial substances known for their chemical stability.
PFAS don’t break down in contact with oil, water, and heat, which is
why so many industries use these chemicals to add stain-resistant,
water-resistant, and non-stick coatings to their products. But this
stability is also a major bane for living creatures because these
materials don’t break down in the environment and end up in the drinking
water.
PFAS can cause an abundance of serious health problems in humans, such
as cancer, hormonal and reproductive issues, liver and kidney
conditions, and immune deficiencies.
Unfortunately, many household items, clothing, and self-care items can
contain PFAS, which can leech out of these items and be absorbed into
the body. Here are 7 places in your home you can expect to find these
hazardous “forever chemicals.”
1. Nonstick cookware 
At first glance, nonstick pots and pans,
panini presses, and cookie sheets seem like a godsend. But the ease of
use of these items may come with unpleasant surprises. PFOA (or as most
of us know it - Teflon) was the most common nonstick coating for
cookware for decades until it was found that it raises the risk of
certain cancers, weakens the immune system, and results in low birth
weight.
Teflon is no longer produced, but there are thousands of new PFAS used
in its place. Some of those new alternatives have already been found to
pose similar health hazards.
Overheating nonstick cookware to a temperature above 570°F (300°C)
releases PFAS particles into the air. Inhaling these particles causes
polymer fume fever, or "Teflon flu," a condition that manifests itself
through fever, weakness, shivering, and a sore throat.
2. Oil-resistant takeout containers and food packaging
As if many restaurant takeouts and fast
food weren’t unhealthy as they are, research from 2020 showed that
grease-resistant packaging used at popular fast-food chains like
Wendy's, McDonald's, and Burger King also contain PFAS.
Similar concerns have popped up across the globe regarding disposable
food packaging and tableware containing forever chemicals. Anything from
microwave popcorn to parchment paper to salami was found to contain
traces of PFAS. Reduce the amount of these toxic chemicals in your food
by reheating foods on your own plates instead of the PFAS packaging they
came in.
3. Stain-proof furniture and carpeting
Be wary of the new trend of stain-resistant
carpets and upholstery. The sellers are probably not lying to you - the
new rug or couch you bought may very well be super easy to clean - but
the price of a clean home may be your health. According to the CDC,
fabric coatings that promise to turn your textiles stainproof are often
laden with PFAS.
These forever chemicals chip off over time and become part of the house
dust you clean, touch, and inhale. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth
and preventing pets and kids from chewing on these stainproof textiles
will reduce your and your family’s exposure to PFAS.
4. Waterproof outerwear and shoes
Water-repellent raincoats, hats, pants, and
shoes are often covered by a PFAS coating too. Gore-Tex is famous for
producing waterproof camping gear and outerwear, for example, and their
fabrics are still using PFAS. Luckily, many clothing brands are
producing PFAS-free rainwear and camping gear these days, which is
beneficial both for your health and the environment.
5. Cosmetics
A recent study tested 231 various makeup
products, including mascaras, lipsticks, and foundations, and found that
more than half of the products contained forever chemicals. Those
makeup products that were marketed as waterproof and long-wearing wore
more likely to contain PFAS. For example, over 75% of waterproof
mascaras tested had indicators of PFAS.
Even more alarmingly, the vast majority of products were not labeled to
contain PFAS, which means that companies were keeping consumers
completely in the dark about the dangerous substances in their products.
6. Fertilizers
Yes, it’s true, even garden fertilizers are
known to contain PFAS. Those who grow plants for food should be
especially careful about the type of fertilizer they use in plants, as
the forever chemicals can leech into fruits and vegetables. But how does
PFAS get into home fertilizers?
Researchers are sure that the chemicals can pile up in the sewers. And
since sewage sludge is often the basis for so-called “eco” or “organic”
fertilizers, it’s not surprising that a toxicology report from Maine
that tested 9 common fertilizers from stores like Lowe's, Home Depot,
and Ace, found that eight of them had high amounts of PFAS.
To prevent exposure to PFAS through fertilizers, avoid products that
contain the following ingredients: biosolids, residuals, and municipal
waste.
7. Paint and varnish
Last but not least, PFAS are used in
abundance in building supplies. The stain- and water resistance of these
materials makes them very useful, but this utility comes at the high
(and often hidden) cost of one’s wellbeing. Waterproof and washable
paint, floor and furniture varnishes, caulking, adhesives, and countless
other materials used in construction contain PFAS to improve their
spreadability, finish, and longevity.
This is why every construction project should be conducted using proper
protective gear, such as gloves and respirators. It’s also the reason
why you should clean the home thoroughly to prevent inhaling dust
particles contaminated with PFAS.