Introduction
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are also referred to as “forever chemicals” are a group of man-made carbon and fluorine-based chemical compounds. Since the early 1940s, PFAS has been utilized in various consumer and industrial products, which include protective coatings, grease and water-proofing such as food packaging and firefighting foams. Due to their resistance to heat, oil and water make them useful in various industries. There are hundreds of known such compounds each with varying uses in our daily lives. PFAS compounds do not occur in nature and it takes significantly longer for these compounds to break down in both the environment and the human body.
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In recent years, chemicals in this group have raised serious health and environmental concerns due to their persistence and potential toxicity such as cancers, infertility and impaired immune system (De Silva et al., 2021). According to a study conducted by the Food Packaging Forum highlights that 68 PFAS have been directly measured in materials which comes in contact with food such as paper, plastics and coated metal packaging (Phelps, et al., 2024). 61 out of the 68 PFAS are not authorized in any industry inventories to manufacture food contact materials. Only 57% of the PFAS have testing data available that check for hazards and these data are often incomplete. Long-chain PFAS continue to be found in food contact materials despite global efforts to limit their use. There is strong evidence of their severe environmental and health impact. These findings highlight the importance of implementing a group limitation strategy for PFAS, which includes a ban on all PFAS in food packaging materials. Such precautions are critical for protecting the environment and the human health from the adverse impacts of these toxic substances.
PFAS are one of the most threatening chemicals ever invented. They are ubiquitous. It can contaminate drinking water sources through various routes, including industrial discharge, runoff from firefighting foam and leaching from consumer products. These chemicals are persistent in the nature and can accumulate in water bodies over time. PFAS exposure through drinking water has been associated to a variety of health hazards, including increased cholesterol, developmental impacts, an increased risk of cancer and immune system malfunction. (Abunda et al., 2020)
Sources of PFAS
Regulatory agencies worldwide, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have set rules and standards for PFAS levels in drinking water to protect public health. These standards typically focus on specific PFAS compounds such as Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to set maximum contaminant levels or advisory levels for these substances in drinking water. Efforts to address PFAS contamination in drinking water include monitoring and testing of water sources, implementing treatment technologies to remove PFAS from drinking water and regulating the use and disposal of PFAS-containing materials to prevent further contamination.
Food Contact Materials (FCM) are those that come into contact with food during transportation, storage, preservation and manufacturing (European Commission 2011). Polyfluoroalkyl substances are commonly utilized in FCM because of their strong carbon-fluorine linkages that can withstand degradation even under high temperatures. Food contact materials (FCM) containing PFAS, such as fast-food packaging, non-stick utensils and microwave popcorn bags can pose food safety risks (Schaider et al.,2017). Consumption of restaurant meals and popcorn was linked to elevated blood serum levels of PFAS due to PFAS migration from the FCM. (Susmann et al.,2019)
Health Hazards Of PFAS
Polyfluoroalkyl substances have raised significant health concerns due to their persistence in the environment, bio-accumulative nature and potential adverse effects on human health. Some of the health hazards related with PFAS exposure include:
Developmental Effects
Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy may lead to developmental issues in infants and children, including low birth weight, delayed development and altered hormonal regulation.
Immune System Dysfunction
PFAS exposure is linked to immune system suppression, which can increase susceptibility to infectious diseases and impair the body’s ability to respond to vaccinations.
Increased Cholesterol Levels
Certain PFAS compounds have been associated with increased cholesterol levels in humans, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
Liver Damage
Prolonged exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances may cause liver damage and dysfunction, including increased liver enzymes, fatty liver disease and liver tumours.
Thyroid Disorders
Some studies suggest that PFAS exposure may disrupt thyroid hormone regulation, leading to thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Cancer
There is growing evidence suggesting that certain PFAS compounds may be linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, includes kidney, testicular and thyroid cancer. (Sunderland, et al., 2019)
Reproductive Effects
PFAS exposure has been associated with reproductive issues, including reduced fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension and pregnancy-induced preeclampsia.
Neurological Effects
Some research suggests that PFAS exposure may have neurological effects, including behavioural changes, cognitive deficits and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
Endocrine Disruption
Polyfluoroalkyl substances compounds have been shown to interfere with the endocrine system, potentially disrupting hormone signalling and regulation in the body.
Strategies to Reduce the Exposure to PFAS
As per the EPA, reducing exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances requires a multifaceted approach encompassing various strategies at individual, regulatory and industrial levels. Individuals can minimize exposure by opting for PFAS-free products whenever possible, such as choosing stainless steel or cast-iron cookware over non-stick alternatives and avoiding products with stain or water-resistant coatings. Additionally, filtering drinking water with activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems can help remove PFAS contaminants.
Regulatory efforts are essential in enforcing restrictions on Polyfluoroalkyl substances use in consumer products and industrial processes and implementing measures to remediate contaminated sites and regulate PFAS discharge into the environment. Industries can contribute by phasing out PFAS in manufacturing processes and adopting safer alternatives. Collaboration between governments, industries and communities is crucial in developing and implementing effective strategies to mitigate PFAS exposure and protect public health and the environment. (Fenton et al., 2020)
Conclusion
Polyfluoroalkyl substances are increasingly being linked to many serious medical & mental conditions. Through individual actions such as choosing PFAS-free alternatives and utilizing water filtration systems and collective efforts, including regulatory measures and industrial innovation, progress can be made in reducing exposure and mitigating the impact of PFAS contamination. Continued research, public awareness and collaboration between stakeholders are essential for effectively addressing the challenges posed by Polyfluoroalkyl substances and safeguarding human health and environmental integrity for future generations. You can’t avoid these chemicals, but you can minimize your exposure.
References:
1. Phelps, D. W., Parkinson, L. V., Boucher, J. M., Muncke, J., & Geueke, B. (2024). Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging: Migration, Toxicity, and Management Strategies. Environmental Science & Technology, 58(13), 5670-5684.
2. Fenton, S. E., Ducatman, A., Boobis, A., DeWitt, J. C., Lau, C., Ng, C., … & Roberts, S. M. (2021). Per‐and polyfluoroalkyl substance toxicity and human health review: Current state of knowledge and strategies for informing future research. Environmental toxicology and chemistry, 40(3), 606-630.
3. Abunada, Z., Alazaiza, M. Y., & Bashir, M. J. (2020). An overview of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment: Source, fate, risk and regulations. Water, 12(12), 3590.
4. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2022. Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/26156.
5. Sunderland, E. M., Hu, X. C., Dassuncao, C., Tokranov, A. K., Wagner, C. C., & Allen, J. G. (2019). A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects. Journal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology, 29(2), 131-147.
6. European Commission. Regulation (EC) No 10/2011 of 14 January 2011 on Plastic Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food. Off. J. Eur. Union 2011, 12, 1–89.
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