PFAS are synthetic chemicals that resist heat, oil, water, and grease and are everywhere. But reducing exposure to these toxic substances is possible by becoming educated about how they damage our health.
PFAS are in the blood of 98% of us, and the health impacts they cause are far reaching.
These chemicals have been used in hundreds of different consumer and industrial products and contaminated drinking water, food and consumer product exposure reveals why we all have them. Unfortunately, many of these PFAS remain in our body for years, which is why it's vital that we learn how to reduce or eliminate our exposure so that our levels will begin to drop.
There are many negative effects on our body and the "forever" nature of these chemicals means that they persist in the environment for a long time.
Health Impacts.
Reproductive effects: can decrease fertiity or increase blood pressure in pregnant women.
Developmental effects: can cause low birth weight, accelerate puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes in children.
Cancer risk: increases the risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
Immune System effects: can reduce the body's ability to fight infections.
Hormonal disruption: can interfere with the body's natural hormones.
Cholesterol levels: can increase cholesterol levels and/or risk of obestiy.
Liver function: can change liver function, such as higher cholesterol and elevated liver enzymes.
Thyroid disease: can increase the risk of thyroid disease.
3 Ways to Lower Exposure.
Drinking Water - Filtering drinking water is a great first-step, since so much of the water we consume is often contaminated with PFAS.
Using a high quality water filter that's designated to remove PFAS will reduce our daily exposure.
To see what's in your water, use the EWG Tap Water Database:
This excellent website will inform you of the levels of PFAS that are estimated to be in your water.
Note: This database is compiled from information from water utilities, so if you use a private well or your water system is not on the EWG map, I strongly urge you to go ahead and install a filter to clear the probable PFAS from your water.
Food - More than 80% of our exposure to PFAS comes from other sources, and food is a major source of exposure.
Food Packaging - Storage containers, microwave popcorn bags, grease-resistant paper have been shown to use PFAS. Reduce or eliminate them.
PFAS are widely used in fast food wrappers, which contributes to our high exposure.
What Can I Do Now?
Skip the microwave popcorn that contain high levels of PFAS.
Limit consumption of foods packaged in paper-based take-out packaging.
Avoid farmed fish that reside in small tanks, these are generally higher in PFAS.
Cookware Upgrade.
Now might be the time to give your old pots and pans a check-up. Nonstick surfaces degrade over time, and if you see scratches or places where the surface has been damaged, it's time to throw them out.
Switch to kitchen products that are free from these substances like stainless steel, cast iron and glass.
When looking for a nonstick pan beware of the advertising because some pans state they are PFOA- free a PFAS that isn't used any more, but it still may contain just as toxic replacement chemicals.
Clothing.
Clothing products that are labeled water, grease, or stain resistant contain PFAS.
Products for the home like; curtains, upholstery, and carpeting has likely been treated or coated with PFAS.
Avoid aftermarket waterproofing and stain- proofing treatments, unless advertised as free of PFAS.
Become educated before buying new clothing, textiles and furniture to make sure they are free from these harmful chemicals.
Support companies who are producing products free from PFAS.
Find out about how much toxic exposure you're receiving where you live. Is there a manufacturing plant or a military installation nearby where PFAS are,or were used?
More than likely,these chemicals have seeped into the water and soil.
Focus On What You Can Control.
There are many factors out of our control and for most of us, it's neither practical nor affordable to move due to the chemicals that may be present where we live.
So, Do What You Can Do.
Begin with purchasing a good water filter.
Limit takeout to avoid toxic packaging and pop your own corn!
Become a label reader and avoid obvious places PFAS reside. Look for words like "fluoro" or "perfluoro" on product lables.
Remove old teflon and other non-stick cookware and use alternatives like stainless steel, cast iron or glass cookware.
Reach out to your local Representatives to stop the PFAS contamination crisis!
Currently there is no treatment to remove PFAS from our body and the many health problems attributed to exposure deserves our attention.
I hope you now have some easy ways to become an informed consumer, because this one beautiful body you inhabit is your only home here on earth.
Let's do everything we can to support our health.
Thanks for reading,
Jan
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