What are PFAS?
PFAS refers to per- and polyfluorinated substances, a class of widely used chemicals. Since the 1950s, perfluoroalkyl substances have been produced, which form a large class of highly stable and heat-resistant synthetic compounds. PFASs are present in many consumer goods.
They are also known as “forever chemicals” because they last so long in the environment and are found in everything from non-stick cookware to microwave popcorn bags, firefighting foam and stain-repellent fabrics, food packaging, non-stick pan coatings, firefighting foams, paper and textile coatings, and personal care products.
These PFASs have also been detected in the oceans, lakes, rivers and even drinking waters!
What are the Different Types of PFAS?
PFAS molecules are made up of a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms.
As of result of the carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest chemical bonds, these substances do not degrade in the environment.
Research on two kinds of PFAS forms the basis of our scientific understanding about this group of compounds; Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). These substances have been manufactured for the longest time, are the most widespread in the environment, and are the most well-studied.
Why can PFAS be Considered Dangerous?
Human serum PFAS half-lives may vary considerably. It takes 3.5 and 4.8 years for the 8-carbon compounds PFOA and PFOS to be half-eliminated, while PFHxS, a 6-carbon compound, takes 7.3 years. PFNA, a 9-carbon compound, has an estimated half-life of 2.5 years.
As a result, adults and children from various countries, including in Canada, have had detectable concentrations of PFAS found in their urine or in blood samples.
The true number of PFAS that exist is hard to pin down, but estimates suggest there are more than 4,700 types, as industry continues to make new ones.
A brief introduction to PFAS (PFAS: The secret toxins in your body).
PFAS: The secret toxins in your body – YouTube
Sources:
- Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and associations with thyroid parameters in First Nation children and youth from Quebec – ScienceDirect
- Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) (nih.gov)
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | California State Water Resources Control Board
- What Are PFAS And Why Are They A Problem? | WisContext