Understanding the Dangers of PFOAs

In the wake of watching the gripping true-story movie “Dark Waters,” our family embarked on a transformative journey to eliminate harmful chemicals from our home. Inspired by the film’s revelations about the dangers associated with Teflon pans, plastic containers, kitchen appliances, and sandwich makers, we made a collective decision to replace these items with safer alternatives such as glass and stainless steel. This experience opened our eyes to the fact that detoxifying our living environment goes beyond just cleaning products and personal care items—it requires a comprehensive commitment to examining every aspect of our home, including mattresses, furniture, clothing, and shoes. In this article, we delve into the dangers posed by these chemicals, explore their sustainable replacements, and offer practical solutions for creating a healthier and toxin-free living space. 

The widespread use of highly fluorinated chemicals, commonly known as PFOAs, has raised concerns about their impact on human health and the environment. These chemicals were originally developed for their waterproofing and non-stick properties, making them prevalent in various consumer products such as rain jackets, frying pans, beauty products, and food packaging. However, their convenience comes at a cost, as they have been linked to severe health effects and are persistent in the environment. In this article, we delve into the complexities of PFOAs and their implications.

Highly fluorinated chemicals, also known as fluorochemicals or fluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic compounds that contain carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds make them incredibly useful for creating stain-resistant, non-stick, and water-repellent products. However, these chemicals have been associated with numerous health risks, including high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, lower birth weight, obesity, hormonal changes, liver malfunction, thyroid disruption, and testicular and kidney cancer.

The persistence of PFOAs in the environment is a significant concern. These chemicals do not easily break down, leading to their accumulation in our bodies and ecosystems. Some fluorochemicals have a half-life of 2.3 years or longer in humans, while others, although rapidly excreted, can still pose risks if present in daily-use products.

One of the most worrying aspects of highly fluorinated chemicals is their ability to persist in the environment and transfer from mothers to children through breast milk and the placenta. Due to their unique properties, fluorochemicals can cross the placental barrier and enter the fetus. Breast milk is also a significant source of exposure for infants.

The cumulative exposure to highly fluorinated chemicals in early childhood is particularly concerning, as it can adversely affect the developing brain and body. Although the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks, minimizing exposure to PFOAs is crucial for both mothers and children.

The numerous terms and acronyms associated with highly fluorinated chemicals can be confusing. Terms like PFOA, PFTE, C8, and Teflon are often used interchangeably. PFOA and PFOS, which are fluorochemicals used for decades, have been phased out, due to their potential health risks. However, several related fluorochemicals are still in use, both domestically and internationally.

It is important to note that the substitutes for C8, such as C6 and C4 compounds, while excreted more rapidly from the human body, still exhibit environmental persistence and potential toxicity. Given the variety of fluorochemicals and their potential risks, it is essential to address entire families or classes of toxic chemicals rather than focusing on individual substances.

Highly fluorinated chemicals can be found in a wide range of consumer products, including carpeting, furnishings, clothing, building materials, food contact paper, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, and even dental floss. Exposure to these chemicals occurs not only through product use but also through air, water, and food.

Wastewater treatment plants do not effectively remove fluorochemicals, allowing them to contaminate the environment, including groundwater, waterways, and ultimately, our drinking water and food sources.

While it may be challenging to completely eliminate exposure to highly fluorinated chemicals, there are practical steps individuals can take to reduce their overall burden.

V tips to minimize exposure to fluorinated chemicals in different products:

Carpeting/Furnishing: Choose textiles, furniture, and carpeting that do not contain water- and stain-repellents.

Clothing: Purchase waterproof clothing only when necessary. While the outdoor industry has eliminated C8, most waterproof fabric still contains C4 and C6 compounds.

Cookware: When using Teflon pans, cook on low heat, ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen, and never preheat an empty pan. Once Teflon pans are scratched or damaged, it’s time to discard them. Consider using safer alternatives like cast iron or stainless steel cookware.

Food Packaging: Prepare popcorn on the stovetop for a better taste and to avoid fluorinated chemicals. Additionally, be aware that grease-proof paper used in fast food packaging may be treated with these chemicals.

Beauty Products: Avoid beauty products that contain ingredients with terms like “perfluor,” “polyfluor,” and PTFE on the label to minimize exposure to fluorinated chemicals.