Today, Explained Even more forever chemicals
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Jul 5, 2023 Barbara Moran, WBUR’s climate and environmental correspondent, dives deep into the notorious 'forever chemicals.' She reveals their unsettling history and the impact of 3M's recent $10 billion settlement over water contamination. The conversation covers the overwhelming prevalence of PFAS in our lives and health risks associated with them. Moran also discusses regulatory challenges and offers practical tips to minimize exposure in daily routines. The urgent need for robust environmental protections and public awareness takes center stage.
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PFAS Pervasiveness
- Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are pervasive in everyday products.
- These products range from cosmetics and cookware to even dust bunnies and breast milk.
PFAS Properties and Usage
- PFAS chemicals, invented in the 1930s, have useful properties like heat, water, and oil resistance.
- This led to their widespread use in various products, contributing to their omnipresence in the environment and our bodies.
PFAS Health Impacts
- Despite being present in most Americans' blood, the adverse health effects of PFAS might not be immediately apparent.
- However, these chemicals are linked to various diseases, impacting almost every organ system.