You drink a glass of water, put on a puff of perfume, or grab some takeout – what do they all have in common? The presence of a dangerous chemical- PFA. PFAs (poly-fluoro-alkyl substances), commonly called ‘forever chemicals’, are a group of chemicals used to make products non-stick or stain-resistant. These chemicals are present in many common consumer products. They are found in our clothes, cosmetics, fast food and water containers; they help repel oil and water. These chemicals are, however, more sinister than they let on. Why are PFAs bad for us? PFAs are made up of a carbon-fluorine bond, which is extremely difficult to break down. It is so strong that scientists cannot even estimate when 50% of a bond will break down. These chemicals enter our bodies for a prolonged period of time, which could cause adverse effects in large quantities. The widespread use of PFAs, paired with how long it takes to break down, has resulted in the presence of the toxic chemicals in the blood of people and animals worldwide. The Harmful Effects of PFAs A rise in awareness about PFAs has only been a recent development, but were first discovered in the 1930’s. PFAs primarily settle into the blood, kidney, and liver. Scientists are conducting research into the potential adverse health impacts associated with prolonged exposure to PFAs, including decreased fertility and immunity, especially in children. They disrupt hormones in people and animals and are carcinogenic (could potentially cause cancer). They are even more dangerous as they enter our drinking water sources as pointed out by the US’ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). FLUOROS Global is an annual gathering of scientists and leading experts worldwide to share their latest findings and progress on science-based solutions for combating pollution caused by PFAs. They conduct research on the harm that PFAs cause, how it disproportionately impacts developing countries and mar- ginalized communities, and what are the measures that can be taken to reverse the effects of PFAs in our bodies and environment. Combating PFAs There has been an increasing concern about PFAs and its pervasive presence in our water. This has led to a rise in adopting efficient water filtration systems. People can effectively treat their drinking water by using granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) filters. Alternatives have also entered the market, such as wax or clay-coated materials. Such materials use polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable polymer.
27 Oct 2022
Aditi Iyer
