PFAS compounds pose health risks and are present in various household items.
Efforts to regulate and remove PFAS from drinking water are ongoing despite challenges.
Deep dives
Presence of Forever Chemicals in Everyday Products
Forever chemicals, such as PFAS compounds, are found in numerous everyday products like cosmetics, nonstick cookware, carpet stain proofing, and more. These chemicals, widely used since the 1930s, exhibit heat, water, and oil resistance, present in items ranging from waterproof mascara to Teflon pans. Due to their extensive use and persistence, PFAS chemicals can be detected in water, air, soil, and even in the blood of a significant percentage of the population.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS chemicals poses significant health risks due to their indestructible nature and ability to affect multiple organ systems in the body. These chemicals have been linked to various diseases such as liver and kidney cancer, immune and digestive problems, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. While scientists are not entirely certain of the mechanism, ongoing research points to the harmful impact of PFAS on human health.
Regulation Efforts and Filtering of PFAS in Drinking Water
The EPA's proposal aims to regulate six PFAS compounds in drinking water, requiring water utilities to monitor and eliminate detectable levels. Filtration systems, like carbon filtration, can effectively remove PFAS from drinking water, albeit at a significant cost. Despite the challenges of regulating thousands of PFAS chemicals and private wells not covered by regulations, efforts to mitigate PFAS exposure and ensure cleaner drinking water are underway.
The chemical manufacturer 3M will pay $10 billion to settle claims it contaminated drinking water with “forever chemicals.” Good thing we already spoke with Barbara Moran, WBUR’s climate and environmental correspondent, who explained these non-stick chemicals that stick around forever.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Haleema Shah, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.