PFA’s ( Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and their Impact on Health

PFAs are also known as “forever chemicals”. These are man-made chemicals used in industries and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. PFAs include more than 10,000 man-made substances. These substances are long-lasting and don't break down; when they do decompose, it is at an extremely slow pace. This highlights the beneficial properties of PFA’s, i.e., their long-lasting nature, for which they are widely used. The nature of PFA’s is due to the presence of strong bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms in the structure of PFA’s. This is the strongest bond in chemistry, which makes PFA’s resistant to water and moderate heat, and allows them to last longer in the environment.

PFA’s are used in the making of - non-stick pans, takeout / disposable containers, water resistant clothing, water proof cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, nylon clothes like yoga pants, quick dry clothing, stain resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, grease, water and oil resistant products etc. PFA’s are also widely used in industries like airlines, manufacturing factories, refineries etc. PFAs can seep into the soil, air, and water upon their use and production. This leads to long-lasting environmental presence of PFAs. Studies like the analysis of water from freshwater bodies, wastewater, fish, soil, and air are done to determine the amount of PFAs in the environment. The amount of PFAs in the environment is highest in polluted regions, areas closer to airports, industries, etc. PFAs from the environment can easily enter humans through water, food, and air. Thus, it is important to drink clean, filtered water (water should be filtered using reverse osmosis or an activated carbon filter if there is a doubt of PFAs in water), thoroughly cook/steam the food and vegetables, and install air purifiers if living in a polluted environment. Individuals working in industries are subjected to occupational exposure to PFA’s; in addition to this, PFA’s also pose a public safety concern to the rest of the population due to their widespread use and long-lasting nature.

Occasional exposure to minute quantities of harmful substances is usually not significantly detrimental to health, but PFAs are widely prevalent and integrated into today's environment and lifestyle in such a way that they lead to accumulation of PFAs in the body due to long-term exposure. This long-term accumulation of PFAs is dangerous and may lead to a negative impact on health. This includes - 

1) Cancers - Exposure to PFAs is associated with increased risk of certain types of Cancers, especially kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and breast cancer. PFAs can damage DNA, disrupt hormonal balance, weaken the immune system, and alter cell growth, development, and inhibit cell repair, thereby increasing the risk of Cancer. 

2) EDC and decreased fertility- PFAs are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) and are associated with decreasing fertility in both men and women. This is due to decreasing the gamete - egg and sperm quality, hormonal disruption, PCOS in women, and poor sperm quality in men. Some studies have shown that PFAs are associated with increased risk of Endometriosis and early menopause in women. 

3) Pregnancy and breastfeeding - PFAs exposure is associated with increased blood pressure and pre-eclampsia in pregnancy and decreased fetal and infant growth and lower birth weight in babies. Babies can be exposed to PFAs before they are born through the mother, while breastfeeding or formula feeding with PFAs-contaminated water. 

4) Developmental issues - PFA exposure is associated with lower cognitive and motor skills and behavioral issues in children, decreased immune function and increased risk of infections, and thyroid disruption leading to hypothyroidism.

In addition to this, PFA exposure is also associated with high cholesterol, inflammation, increased risk of ulcerative colitis, and liver diseases.

So, what can be done to avoid PFA’s exposure? Due to its widespread prevalence, elimination of PFA’s exposure may not be possible, but limiting its exposure is crucial to prevent accumulation in the body, which can lead to diseases. These steps can be taken to limit exposure to PFA’s: 

1) Avoid cooking in nonstick pans. Switch to stainless steel or cast-iron pans 

2) Avoid storing food in plastic/take-out containers. Switch to stainless steel or glass containers. Especially avoid microwaving/ heating food in plastic containers. Avoid plastic cutlery. 

3) Switch to cleaner, PFA-free cosmetics and feminine hygiene products. 

4) Avoid food packaged in materials containing PFAs, avoid processed food, eat well-washed and well-cooked food, drink filtered water, and avoid using disposable water bottles. Switch to glass bottles/ stainless steel. 

5) Avoid consuming fish and seafood from contaminated water bodies. 

6) Avoid stain-resistant and waterproof clothes and fabrics. 

7) Switch to safer and PFA-free cleaning products. 

8) Check the labels of products and avoid products containing PFA. 

9) Wash your hands after using PFA-containing products. 

10) Avoid living near industries with PFAs contaminated air, water, and soil, and avoid consuming food grown in regions with PFAs contaminated soil and water.

Eliminating PFAs from our lives may seem like a daunting task due to their widespread use, but consider it one step at a time. Start by switching to safer alternatives like glass/ stainless steel cookware, utensils, and containers, switching to clean cosmetics, hygiene products, and cleaning products, eating fresh and healthy food, and avoiding processed food. Take one step at a time, and we can limit our exposure to PFAs. Given the harm associated with the use of PFAs, it is best to avoid PFA exposure as much as possible, no matter the inconvenience it may cause. Governments are also taking steps to regulate the production and use of PFA’s. These steps can help in preventing the toxic accumulation of PFAs, thereby reducing the risk of numerous diseases and improving the health of today's population and future generations.