PFAS: The "Forever Chemicals" You Should Know About
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also nicknamed "forever chemicals," are a growing concern. But what exactly are they, and why should you care?
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. Their unique properties, such as their resistance to water, grease, and heat, lead to their widespread incorporation into products such as nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, some cosmetics, and certain firefighting foams.
Although PFAS are chemically diverse, they all share one key feature: a strong carbon-fluorine bond. This bond makes them almost impossible to break down, which is great for non-stick pans and raincoats, but not so great for the environment. Their extensive use for decades and resistance to degradation have caused PFAS to accumulate in the environment, leading to increasing contamination levels in air, water, and soil.
Blood tests have also shown that PFAS can accumulate in humans and animals. While research on the health effects of bioaccumulation is still ongoing, exposure to some PFAS types has been linked to serious health issues [1][2].
Types of PFAS
Below is a list of 5 PFAS that have been measured in the Canadian population [3].
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS)
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
Where are PFAS Found?
PFAS can be found in a wide range of products such as [3][4]:
Cleaning products
Water-resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas, and tents
Food packaging
Nonstick cookware
Personal care products, like shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup
Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
Firefighting foams
PFAS can also be found from environmental sources, including [5]:
Industrial sites utilizing PFAS in manufacturing processes, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics sectors
Landfills due to disposed items containing these chemicals
Firefighting training areas
Wastewater treatment plants
How are People Exposed to PFAS?
Human exposure to PFAS occurs through various pathways and sources, including consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. Due to their slow degradation, humans and animals are continuously subjected to PFAS exposure, leading to the accumulation of PFAS in their bloodstreams over time [5]. One report by the CDC, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans [6].
Consumption of PFAS may occur from drinking from municipal sources or private wells, eating fish with elevated PFAS levels (particularly PFOS), or eating food grown near PFAS-contaminated sites or packaged in materials containing PFAS. Individuals may also swallow dust or residues from consumer goods containing PFAS, such as carpets, clothing, or cleaning products [3].
Young children may be at higher risk of exposure due to behaviors like mouthing toys and fabrics [3]. Furthermore, studies have shown that PFAS can be found in human breast milk and excreted through lactation, making breastfeeding another potential route of exposure [7].
Individuals working with PFAS or PFAS-containing materials, such as in manufacturing processes, also face increased exposure risks compared to the general population. Workers may be exposed by touching or breathing in PFAS-associated dust, aerosols, or fumes [8].
Why Are PFAS Harmful?
The major concern with PFAS is their persistence. They don't break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in our bodies over time, potentially producing a wide range of adverse health effects including [9]:
Thyroid disease
Liver disease and cancer
Kidney disease and cancer
Adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes
Thyroid disease
Studies have shown a probable link between PFAS exposure and thyroid disease, with different outcomes observed in women (hyperthyroidism) versus men (hypothyroidism).
PFAS may interfere with thyroid hormones by interacting with proteins in the body and affecting enzyme activity. This may lead to increased (hyperthyroidism) or decreased (hypothyroidism) thyroid hormone release. As the thyroid gland plays a significant role in metabolism, cardiac function, and the nervous system, thyroid diseases can cause disturbances in weight, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, sleep, and mood.
Some studies have shown that higher PFAS levels in pregnant women may be associated with changes in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, which can impact maternal and fetal health [9].
Liver disease and cancer
Studies have shown that the liver is a primary storage site for long-chain PFAS, which can result in harmful effects such as fat buildup, cell damage, and even liver tumours. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to increased levels of liver enzymes, which are markers of liver damage, especially in obese individuals.
Research suggests that PFAS exposure may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by fat accumulation in the liver. PFAS disrupts liver metabolism, leading to the accumulation of fats and bile acids in the liver tissue, which can contribute to the development of NAFLD. NAFLD can lead to liver inflammation and fibrosis, which eventually begin to impair liver function and increase the risk of liver cancer.
Since the liver is responsible for detoxification, bile production, metabolism, and immunity, liver damage can lead to toxin accumulation in the body, impaired digestion, fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and an increased susceptibility to infections [9].
Kidney disease and cancer
Long-chain PFAS have also been found to accumulate in the kidneys, potentially affecting kidney function and increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease in both adults and children. Additionally, levels of uric acid, a marker for kidney disease risk, tend to rise with PFAS exposure.
Kidney damage can have serious health effects, including decreased waste filtration from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body, high blood pressure, fluid retention and swelling, anemia, bone disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, there is growing evidence linking PFAS exposure to an increased risk of kidney cancer. Studies have observed higher rates of kidney cancer in populations with higher levels of PFAS exposure. However, more research is necessary to confirm this association and understand the mechanisms involved [9].
Adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes
Exposure to PFAS can have adverse reproductive outcomes in both men and women. In men, PFAS exposure may harm sperm function and lower sperm count, leading to reduced fertility and changes in hormone levels. These chemicals may also affect bone health and increase the risk of testicular cancer. In women, PFAS may affect hormone activity and menstrual cycle length, leading to associations with reproductive disorders like endometriosis.
Studies suggest that exposure to PFAS may also affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes, such as decreased chances of getting pregnant and lower birth weights in infants. Additionally, ongoing research is looking into the effects of PFAS exposure on pregnancy complications like hypertension and preeclampsia.
Finally, prenatal exposure to PFAS may lead to health issues in children, including developmental delays and growth problems [9].
Are PFAS Banned in Canada?
Currently, there's no complete ban on PFAS in Canada. However, the Canadian government is taking steps to regulate them.
Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, the government has released a draft State of PFAS Report summarizing available information on PFAS and a risk management scope outlining controls to limit PFAS environmental releases. These controls involve adding PFAS to the List of Toxic Substances, phasing out certain PFAS chemicals (PFOS, PFOA, long-chain PFCAs), and proposing a maximum level for total PFAS in drinking water [3].
Can You Detox Your Body of PFAS?
Unfortunately, there's no magic detox method to eliminate PFAS from your body. PFAS are difficult for humans to detoxify, as their half-lives are often multiple years [10].
How Can You Reduce Your Exposure to PFAS?
You can take steps to limit your exposure to PFAS by [3]:
Checking the label: if you're unsure about the products you use at home, reach out to the manufacturer for clarification.
Avoiding certain products: look for alternatives to non-stick cookware and stain-resistant materials.
Follow local advisories: if your drinking water exceeds recommended levels or if you reside, fish, or hunt near a contaminated area, follow the advice of your local health department or provincial/territorial government.
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