On November 30 by Ryan Wolfe
The concept of PFAs, or better known as “forever chemicals,” has become a hot topic for people in recent years. First, forever chemicals must be defined. Their scientific name is per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are known to be “indestructible” man-made chemicals that are stain and water resistant in cleaning products and many other items. They take a long time to break down and are found in low amounts among humans, animals, water, and soil. It’s something scientists are still trying to dissect and fully understand as they’re so prevalent in our everyday lives. Some major questions they’re trying to figure out are how much of the general population has been exposed to PFAs, and how do we remove such contaminating chemicals from the water supply.
A recent study has found the effects of PFAs related to our gut health. According to the Science of the Total Environment, PFAs have affected gut bacteria and can cause a 50% decrease in kidney function in a 4-year period. These chemicals can be quite compromising and dangerous for pregnant mothers, some effects can cause birth defects and delayed development as well. The risks of PFAs are becoming more apparent as more research is done on these forever chemicals around the world.
The Wisconsion Department of Health Services, as well as other states around the U.S, are starting to put specific regulations on certain PFAs in our water and soil. It’s difficult to try to contain all the different chemicals since they travel in tiny particles through the water and into the air due to the water cycle. Similar to microplastics, the evaporated water can have traces of PFAs, and they get stuck in the clouds during the condensation process. Eventually, when it rains, the PFAs will travel with the rain into the soil, and potentially, groundwater. That process will repeat over again and PFAs will spread further if it’s not traced or contained.
There are measures to try to limit one’s PFAs exposure. It’s a little tricky at first to escape, but there are some strategies out there. Some include avoiding non-stick cookware. Solutions include cast-iron, glass, or stainless steel; avoid food packaging like fast food packages and coated pizza boxes and follow local guidelines that pertain to animals and food consumption. Of course, these aren’t fool proof solutions to the problems that are PFAs, but they can limit your exposure, nonetheless.
In the U.S and other countries, a lot of the main contributors to pollution are mega corporations. One example is what 3M did to the water supply in Minnesota recently. Back in 2018, 3M had to settle a $850 million lawsuit with the state of Minnesota because water in the East Metro was exposed to PFAs. It was a warning sign to many corporations and governments included in the risks they pose to the general public and their overall health. A ban on PFAs is coming to Minnesota in 2025 and a total ban in 2032, which couldn’t come any sooner. Billions will be paid for the risks that PFAs posed, but millions are still needed to clean up the remaining damage that the companies have fleshed out. Proper infrastructure is needed in mitigating the chemicals, and corporations will avoid the problem as long as they can until we call them out and not just pay someone after the damage is done.
Chemicals surround us everywhere we go in our daily lives, and they seem inescapable as we try to avoid them as much as possible. It’s not guaranteed that PFAs will disappear anytime soon, but Maine, Minnesota, and other states are starting to crack down on PFAs and plastics. Bans on PFAs in food packaging, cookware, and other equipment will ensure our safety as we try to make a healthier environment for humans, plants, and animals alike. There’s still a long way to go in the battle against forever chemicals in our water and soil, but as long as we speak up about the injustices of such concerning chemicals, we can have a better future for all Americans.