Unveiling Forever Chemicals: Understanding PFAS and Their Impact

PFAS Are Found in Common Products 

From getting dressed to cooking breakfast to going on a hike or playing sports, we may be interacting heavily with PFAS. Here is a list of products that may contain PFAS: 

• Textiles/Clothing: Many textiles, including clothing, footwear, towels and linens—especially outdoor gear like rain jackets and boots—may contain PFAS to provide water and stain resistance. Some outdoor clothing also uses expanded PTFE (a type of PFAS) for added durability and waterproofing.
• Carpeting and Upholstery: often treated with PFAS for stain resistance.
• Nonstick cookware: such as frying pans, waffle irons and air fryers that may contain Teflon or other PFAS variants like PTFE.
• Food Service Ware: compostable food containers such as molded fiber plates, bowls, trays, which may use PFAS for grease resistance.
• Cleaning Products: cleaning chemicals used for surfaces like appliances, carpets, floors and counters, which may contain PFAS-based compounds.
• Firefighting Foam: Aqueous film-forming foams used for firefighting and training, often contain PFAS.
• Refrigeration:  Fluorinated refrigerants found in refrigerators, freezers and air-conditioning units are forms of PFAS.
• Construction Materials: Building materials such as ceiling tiles, insulation and wallboard may contain PFAS.
• Synthetic Turf/Artificial Turf: Artificial turf used for athletic fields or landscaping can contain PFAS. It's recommended to specify native plants or ask for test results showing the turf has less than 100 ppm total organic fluorine.
• Durable Water Repellents: applied to outdoor clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment.

By being mindful of these product categories, consumers can look for alternatives certified by programs like Oeko-Tex 100 Standard, Green Seal, or Cradle to Cradle, which restrict or avoid the use of PFAS.

The Health and Environmental Impact

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS have been linked to health issues like cancer, thyroid disease and hormone disruption. These chemicals can accumulate in soil, water, and even human bodies over time.

Some research indicates that high levels of certain PFAS may:

• Raise cholesterol levels;
• Reduce the body’s response to vaccines;
• Increase the risk of thyroid disease;
• Elevate the likelihood of certain cancers;
• Heighten the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy; and
• Lower birth weights in infants (though the reduction is small and may not significantly impact health).

State Legislation on the Use of PFAS

Many states have taken action to reduce and eliminate the use of PFAS. According to Safer States: An Alliance for a Healthier World, 34 states have introduced nearly 300 policies to limit the use of toxic PFAS chemicals, and 153 policies have been officially adopted in 30 states. Eleven states (including Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and Washington have set enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water. Twelve more states (including California, Colorado, Illinois and Maryland) have created health guidelines or advisories for certain PFAS chemicals in water. Thirty state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers for contaminating water supplies, seeking compensation for environmental damage. Several states are banning or phasing out PFAS in various products to prevent contamination. This includes the banning of PFAS in cookware and foodware.

Along with state actions, 32 major retailers have committed to removing or reducing PFAS in products like food packaging and textiles.

Optional Extension Activities:

Activity Idea 1: Research State PFAS Legislation

Assign each student (or group of students) one of the 34 states that have introduced policies to reduce or limit the use of PFAS chemicals. Students will research their assigned state's policies, legal actions and any related initiatives on PFAS. Students will create a slideshow to present their findings.

Research areas:

• Specific policies regarding PFAS in drinking water, consumer products and environmental protection.
• Lawsuits or legal actions taken by the state's attorney general against PFAS manufacturers.
• Efforts to phase out or ban PFAS in products like food packaging, clothing, cookware and firefighting foam.
• Any ongoing or future plans to address PFAS contamination or reduce exposure in their assigned state.

Slides should include an overview of what PFAS are and why they are a concern; a summary of the state's specific actions or policies on PFAS; any lawsuits or court cases involving the state and PFAS manufacturers; what types of products are being phased out or regulated in the state; and students’ own thoughts on the effectiveness of the policies and what more could be done.

Following the presentation, have students compare and contrast their findings with other states' approaches.

Activity Idea 2: Water Contamination Simulation

Set up a small experiment where students simulate the persistence of chemicals in water using oil or another substance that doesn’t dissolve easily in water. This hands-on activity can demonstrate how difficult it is to remove PFAS from the environment once they’re there.

Incorporate, or have students investigate, data and regulations on PFAS contamination in local water supplies. Discuss how contamination affects wildlife and humans.

Activity Idea 3: Classroom Debate

Organize a classroom debate on the pros and cons of regulating PFAS. Some students can argue from the perspective of industry, while others represent environmental groups or public health officials.