How do PFAS affect human health?
Table of Contents
How do PFAS affect human health?
A growing body of science has found that there are potential adverse health impacts associated with PFAS exposure, including liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression and cancer. These chemicals can easily migrate into the air, dust, food, soil and water.
Are PFAS harmful?
Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products.
What is PFAS water contamination?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. Most non-worker exposures occur through drinking contaminated water or eating food that contains PFAS.
How does PFAS get into water supply?
Exposure to PFAS could occur through: public water systems and drinking water wells, soil, and outdoor air near industrial areas with frequent PFAS manufacture, disposal, or use. indoor air or dust in spaces that contain carpets, textiles, and other consumer products treated with PFAS to resist stains.
What is PFAS in safety?
A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is safety equipment used by personnel working at heights to protect them from accidental falls. A PFAS is mostly used by workers who perform their duties at a certain height during the construction phase, as well as maintenance workers on towers or poles.
How does PFAS affect the environment?
PFAS can enter the environment through production or waste streams and are very persistent in the environment and the human body. There is toxicological evidence that some PFAS have adverse reproductive, developmental and immunological effects in animals and humans.
How do PFAS affect the environment?
Why is PFAS a problem in our water?
The Problem: The chemicals, estimated to be in the drinking water of over 110 million people Americans, are linked to cancers and low infant birth rates. Studies also show PFAS chemicals affect infant growth and learning, lower chances of pregnancy, affect immune systems, and interfere with natural hormones.
What is a safe level of PFAS in drinking water?
70 parts per trillion
To provide Americans, including the most sensitive populations, with a margin of protection from a lifetime of exposure to PFOA and PFOS from drinking water, EPA has established the health advisory levels at 70 parts per trillion.
How can PFAS contamination be prevented?
While PFAS are in food containers, Teflon, and even microwave popcorn, there are simple ways to avoid these chemicals. Experts advise eating at home more, avoiding nonstick cookware, and using water filters to avoid PFAS in drinking water.
What is a safe level of PFAS?
Currently, there is no MCL for any PFAS chemicals. The EPA has established a non-enforceable health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for the sum of PFOA and PFOS.
How do I know if my drinking water has PFAS?
When wondering if there are PFAS in my drinking water, you can begin by contacting your state to find certified laboratories testing PFAS in tap water….EPA Validated PFAS Water Testing Methods
- Method 533.
- Method 537.1.
- Method 537.