A DEEP DIVE INTO FOREVER CHEMICALS (PFAS)

Forever chemicals, otherwise known as per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been gaining attention in the enviromental and personal health space for quite a moment now. But do many of us even know what PFAS are, where they are, or where they derive from? The ideas around forever chemicals have created an alarming focus surrounding these chemicals. Luckily, I have done a deep dive on the background of these chemicals, the risks studies are showing them to impose, and what present-day research is revealing in the pursuit to find replacement materials for these chemicals. Let's begin.

WHAT ARE FOREVER CHEMICALS, AND WHY NOW?

Forever chemicals (PFAS), also known as per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large group of chemicals found in our environment that have been used persistently, until new findings have suggested serious possible health risks with contact to these substances. Forever chemicals (PFAS) have been widely used for industrial purposes since the 1940s. However, it was not until 2022, that the impacts of forever chemicals (PFAS) began to seriously be considered. The environmental impact, and physiological relationship these chemicals have with our society are now becoming a regulatory matter. Organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency have revised health advisories due to the new understanding of PFAS exposure (Khanal et al, 2024, p.1). These chemicals linger in our environment, homes, and water supply, as they have created convenience for the functionality of our nation for almost a century. Due to new regulations being enforced surrounding forever chemicals, testing has been introduced, but nowhere near completed.

STUDIES ON PFAS IN LUNG HEALTH, DNA METHYLATION, AND DRINKING WATER

A study preformed in the United States tested exposure from concentrated levels of PFOAS, a form of forever chemicals on lung health. The study was executed through microscopy and discovered that lung cells that were exposed to PFOAS experienced cellular death (Dragon et al, 2023). Through this discovery, it can be concluded that PFOAS compromise the integrity of our lungs, and one may want to approach these chemicals with caution.

“Researchers in Cincinnati, Ohio discovered that gestational exposure to PFAS was closely related to DNA methylation of 435 CpG sites in newborns. Most forms of this methylation carried on up to 12 years of age, and is associated with health outcomes such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, and kidney conditions” (Schmidt, 2022). There is no doubt that forever chemicals are tenacious materials found in our environment and their potential physiological impacts are important to consider.

Access to clean drinking was once a certainty, but now a luxury due to PFAS contamination. A study identified at least one form of PFAS in over 66 percent of the country. The water contamination was found in over 33 states and affects around 16 million citizens (Khanal et al, 2024). Clean water should not be as inaccessible as it is today. Due to the scarcity of uncontaminated water in the United States, further testing for PFAS-free alternatives could be constructive. Water a necessity to one’s livelihood, and although Americans may not be the only ones affected by this issue, everyone deserves the ability to obtain clean water. In Sweden, a study discovered PFAS in the water supply of 55,000 individuals in due to AFFF, also known as firefighting foam (Xu et al, 2023). It is evident that research acknowledges avoiding forever chemicals is nearly impossible, especially in our water supply system.

FINDING ALTERNATIVES FOR PFAS

By considering the environmental impacts and possible health risks the exposure to forever chemicals creates, we can understand the significance of continuing further testing to find alternative materials for these substances. The concern surrounding the use of single-plastic materials created an opportunity to test alternatives for kraft paper. Through trials of trying to

find replacement materials, a much greener method was developed with the use of polydimethylsiloxane. The materials for kraft paper performed well during experimentation and are now being evaluated for cost-effectiveness (Hamdani et al, 2024). The experimentation of polydimethylsiloxane is a wonderful example of why further testing PFAS alternatives can be successful. Without further testing, we are exposed to these chemicals and allow no opportunity to escape them and their consequences. The results from this trial and materials such as polydimethylsiloxane show promise and suggest what the future of experimentation with alternative materials could entail.

In a separate experiment, (Montoya, 2024) highlighted a new and safer alternative for PFAS, known as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). This material being heavily investigated as a replacement for forever chemicals in cookware, firefighting foam, and textiles. Trifluoroacetic acid leaves a much lighter environmental footprint compared to PFAS, making it safer option. It is important to acknowledge that more testing is needed to further evaluate TFA, however the current developments of this alternative signify its potential. These studies reveal the continuation of testing PFAS-free alternatives is not only beneficial for members of society, but it also promotes the health of our environment.

WHAT ARE OTHER RESEARCHERS SAYING?

Some researchers have suggested that all PFAS being conformed to one group when assessed for health risk is ill-considered. An article written in 2022 claims “An appropriate grouping approach for PFAS is the first step necessary for both informing regulatory agencies and assessing risk to the general population from legacy and/or current and future, replacement, PFAS” (Anderson et al, 2022, para. 2). It is important to consider all sources, especially scholarly ones, however, the article acknowledged that developing an ideal grouping approach for PFAS presents a challenge. Due to this challenge the article recognizes and considering the health

advisories concerning PFAS administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it can be concluded that PFAS are a substance that should approached carefully.

WHAT NEXT?

Toxins are everywhere in our environment. Acquiring knowledge on this topic is important with the vast amount of fear-mongering headline we see in our present day area of health and wellness. Is it safe to try out best to avoid these chemicals? I would say yes, to one's best ability. Due to research demonstrating the consequences of being exposed to forever chemicals environmentally, and physiologically, these findings signify why the continuation of testing alternatives materials to replace PFAS is more important now than ever before. Through further experimentation, one might consider that the access to more purified drinking water, mitigating possible future health risks, and ability to find safer substitutes to these chemicals would increase.