What are PFAS? Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 12,000 man-made chemicals that do not occur in nature. Accidently discovered in 1938 PFAS chemicals have made their way into all facets of life. The widespread use of PFAS can be attributed to their unique properties including oil, water and heat/flame resistance. These properties have earned PFAS the nickname “forever chemicals” because the carbon-fluorine bonds that make up these chemicals do not naturally break.
How Are We Exposed?
- Drinking contaminated water (private or municipal)
- Eating food raised or grown near places where PFAS was manufactured or used or where PFAS contaminated biosolids have been spread
- Eating food in PFAS-containing packages
Using consumer products that contain PFAS:
- Make-Up
- Water repellent clothing
- STain resistant carpet/fabrics
- Non-stick cookware
Eating wildlife obtained from contaminated environments:
- Fish
- Deer
- Turkey
PFAS persist and accumulate in our bodies and in the environment.
What Are The Health Effects?
Exposures to PFAS have been associated with a wide range of adverse human health effects, including:
- Altered metabolism (i.e., increased cholesterol)
- Reproductive health (increased risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia)
- Development (low birth weight, birth defects, delayed development)
- Decreased vaccine response Increased risk of cancer (i.e., kidney, testicular)
How Do We Limit Exposure?
- Use an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter to reduce PFAS in drinking water
- Stop using non-stick cookware
- Pop your own popcorn the old-fashioned way, on the stovetop
- Avoid stain and grease resistant products containing PFAS
- Avoid “water-resistant” cosmetics and personal care products
- Purchase non-PFAS clothing and sports gear (i.e., water repellent)
- Check with your local or state health and environmental departments for fish or hunting advisories in your area
Meet the Investigator
Jamie Lynn Young Wise, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville. Using a One Environmental Health approach, Dr. Young Wise’s research integrates human, animal and ecosystem health to gain insight into how environmental contaminants such as heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contribute to disease. Dr. Young grew up in a small rural community in Maine where PFAS contamination has become a major environmental and human health concern impacting family-owned dairy farms and the local hunting and fishing industry. Thus, studying these “forever chemicals” has become a key component of her research.
This research was conducted by the University of Louisville's Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS grant P30 ES030283). CIEHS strives to inform the public on environmental health science and build transparent relationships with surrounding communities to support healthier lifestyles. For more information regarding The Center for Integrative Environmental Health Science, please visit https://centers.louisville.edu/integrativeenvironmentalhealth/.
Credits:
Created with images by zimmytws - "PFAS water drops with skull and crossbones -- Forever chemical water contamination concept" • Maliflower73 - "Old scratched non-stick pan on wood table.,Teflon pan peeling off.,Copy space is on the right side." • milen69 - "The Big Mississippi river panorama with blue sky and white clouds" • Kate - "the nurse rubs the hand with alcohol before taking blood from a vein for testing.,Disinfects the place of introduction of a needle with antiseptic" • Mark Adams - "African American patient explaining issues to Asian doctor using tablet" • GlambGarb - "Diptych showing corn kernels popping into fluffy popcorn in a black cast iron pan on a gas stove."