Levels of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Water Exceed Regulations in Some Baltimore Schools
What are ‘forever chemicals’?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.
PFAS are resistant to heat, water, and oil, making them useful for a variety of applications, including:
- Nonstick cookware
- Water-repellent clothing
- Food packaging
- Firefighting foam
Why are ‘forever chemicals’ a concern?
PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems, including:
- Cancer
- Developmental problems
- Immune system dysfunction
- Reproductive problems
PFAS are also persistent in the environment, meaning that they do not break down easily and can accumulate in the bodies of humans and animals.
What is being done to address the ‘forever chemicals’ problem?
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the health risks of PFAS, and a number of steps have been taken to address the problem.
In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a health advisory for PFAS, setting a lifetime health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for two of the most common PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS.
In 2021, the EPA announced a new action plan to address PFAS, which includes:
- Investing in research to better understand the health effects of PFAS
- Developing new regulations to limit PFAS exposure
- Cleaning up PFAS contamination
What can you do to reduce your exposure to ‘forever chemicals’?
There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your exposure to PFAS, including:
- Avoid using nonstick cookware
- Wear water-repellent clothing made from natural materials
- Choose food packaging that does not contain PFAS
- Avoid drinking water from sources that are contaminated with PFAS
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