What are PFAS?
- Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are over 4000 highly fluorinated compounds used in various consumer products for their water- and oil-repellent properties. They are key components in firefighting foams, leading to significant groundwater contamination. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment and the human body. Common uses include non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and food packaging.
Human Exposure Pathways
Consumer Products, Indoor Air, and Dust
PFASs are present in numerous household items and can migrate into food. Inhalation and ingestion from indoor environments also contribute significantly.
Drinking Water
Major source of exposure, especially near contaminated sites. Regulatory limits for PFASs in drinking water vary, with some advocating for very low thresholds to protect health.
Seafood
Seafood consumption, especially near contaminated sites, can lead to elevated PFAS levels in humans. Long-chain PFASs bioaccumulate in marine life, making seafood a significant exposure source.
Biosolids and Agriculture
PFASs enter the environment through wastewater treatment plants and agricultural use of biosolids, contaminating crops and animal products.
Health Effects
- Some PFAS, particularly PFOA and PFOS, have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer in exposed populations. PFOA is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
- PFAS exposure can suppress the immune system, reducing vaccine efficacy and increasing infection risks.
- Linked to higher cholesterol levels, and less consistently to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
- Potential impacts on reproductive hormones and outcomes, including altered male reproductive hormones and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
- Association with altered thyroid hormone levels and related disorders.
- Mixed evidence on impacts on child development and cognitive functions.
Key Studies and Findings
- The C8 Health Project linked PFOA to high cholesterol, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, ulcerative colitis, and kidney/testicular cancer.
- In the 1980s, 3M found high PFAS levels in workers and linked N-EtFOSE to cancer in rats. Health impacts on 3M workers showed mixed results, partly due to small sample sizes and measurement differences.
- PFAS exposure in children has been shown to be associated with lower antibody levels post-vaccination and developmental issues.
Regulatory and Safety Actions
Voluntary phase-out of PFOS and PFOA by major manufacturers has led to decreased releases into the environment. Federal EPA has established limits under the Safe Water Drinking Act for five PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA) and a hazard index for mixtures of four PFAS. Public water systems must monitor, report, and reduce PFAS levels if they exceed standards, with specific timelines for compliance and public notification. Available methods for mitigating PFAS include granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems.
The limits are as follows (in parts per trillion (ppt)):
- PFOA & PFOS: 4.0 ppt
- PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA: 10 ppt each
- Mixtures: Hazard Index of 1
Numerous states are setting limits and monitoring PFAS levels in water and other media to protect public health. Examples include:
- Maine is the first state to ban nonessential uses of PFAS in all products, starting with a phased approach in 2023. The state also requires manufacturers to notify the Department of Environmental Protection if their products contain intentionally added PFAS.
- New Jersey has established stringent drinking water standards for PFAS, setting limits that are stricter than federal EPA The state has also added PFAS to its list of hazardous substances and issued directives for companies to address PFAS contamination.
- Michigan has set PFAS limits for drinking water that cover 2,700 water supplies, with specific standards for chemicals like PFOA and PFOS. The state has also implemented new groundwater standards.
- Minnesota regulates PFAS in products and has specific statutes for food packaging and other consumer goods. The state has also enacted a comprehensive PFAS in Products Law.
- Washington has banned PFAS in food packaging made from paper or plant fibers since 2023. Manufacturers that make food packaging items on the banned list must develop a certificate of compliance.
- Rhode Island has enacted the Toxic Packaging Reduction Act, which prohibits PFAS in food packaging effective January 1, 2024. The state defines “intentional introduction” of PFAS broadly to include its use in the formulation of packaging materials.
Conclusion
PFAS do not break down easily and accumulate in the environment and human body. Studies have shown a wide range of health effects from immune suppression to cancer. Newer PFAS chemicals are entering the market, with limited data on their safety and health impacts. More studies are needed to understand the full health impacts and exposure pathways of both legacy and emerging PFAS. Increased emphasis needs to be placed on reducing PFAS contamination and exposure through regulatory actions and technological innovations.
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