What Are Forever Chemicals?
Forever Chemicals refers to Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. The name "Forever Chemicals" comes from their persistent nature in the environment; they do not break down easily and can build up over time. The two most widely detected PFAS chemicals are Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS).
PFAS are resistance to heat, water, and oil, which makes them ideal for making consumer and industrial products. However, their persistence in the environment has raised concerns regarding their negative effects on human health and the environment. PFAS have been found in water sources, soil, and even in the bodies of humans and wildlife. Scary!
What Effects Do PFAS Have on My Health?
Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS may be linked to various health issues including:
- Developmental effects
- Low birth weight
- Liver damage
- kidney damage
- Thyroid disease
- Serious Immune and nervous system issues
- High cholesterol
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of certain cancers such as kidney and liver cancer etc.
- Other health issues
What Products Possibly Contain PFAS?
- Non-Stick Cookware
- Water resistance fabrics such as clothing, raincoats, umbrellas, and tents
- Other textiles
- Shampoo
- Conditioners
- Dental floss
- Cosmetics
- Sunscreen
- Stain resistance coatings on sofas, carpets, upholstery etc.
- Cleaning Products
- Firefighting Foams
- Grease resistant paper
- Food
- Fast-food containers, fast food boxes and food wrapping
- Paint
- Drinking water
- PFAS can be found in soil
- PFAS can be found in the outdoor air
- PFAS can be found in the Indoor air
- PFAS can be found in dust particles
Can I Get Rid of PFAS In My Body?
A study revealed that among those tested, PFAS were found in 99% of Canadians blood, which indicates that PFAS are just about everywhere and are hard to get rid of. Although, some PFAS are released from the body via urinating and menstruation, not all of them are released, and over time more build up in the body due to exposure. PFAS can persist in the body for may years and could eventually have an effect on your organs.This is not just a Canadian problem, it’s a worldwide problem.
What Can I Do to Prevent PFAS From Entering My Body?
Many governments around the world are starting to regulate the use of PFAS while continuing to conduct studies to find out the impact these chemicals have on human health and the ecosystems. That said, PFAS are still found in our environment as well as in some imported goods which means humans are still exposed to these substances.
Regardless, people need to take matters into their own hands especially if you have children. Some things you can do to try and prevent you and your family from exposure to PFAS are:
- Read labels. Know exactly what your buying!
- Pay attention to what, where and how a product has been made including food, water and bottled water
- Buy eco-friendly products
- Buy products that are made with natural materials
- Avoid textiles with stain resistant coatings
- Buy clothing from brands that make their products without the use of PFAS
- Limit the amount of fast food you eat
- Buy stainless steel, cast iron, copper or ceramic pots and pans or look for cookware that says PFOA, PFOS and PFAS free.
- Open the windows to clean indoor air
- Buy an air filter for your home
- Buy a water filtration system for your home
- Vacuum frequently
- Educate yourself on toxins and their effects on your health
Shopping at MyEcoHome will help alleviate the worry of toxins in your home because we do our best to make sure our products are as safe as possible. We provide a list of materials and ingredients in our product descriptions so that you can make informed purchasing decisions for you and your family. www.myecohomemarketplace.com