Cutting PFAS Exposure Is More Doable Than You Think
Midjourney
Cut It Out: PFAS, aka “forever chemicals,” have been all over the news lately. These synthetic compounds are linked to certain cancers and other negative health outcomes, and according to federal health data, nearly every person in the U.S. has them in their blood. They don’t break down easily in the environment or in our bodies, so exposure accumulates over time. There are, however, concrete steps we can all take to reduce our contact with them.
How to Do It: First, search for published water quality reports online. If the levels in your community exceed EPA limits, consider a certified home filter. Diet matters too, particularly seafood, which the FDA considers the biggest PFAS concern. Also, scan labels on your beauty products and toiletries for “PTFE” or anything with “fluoro” in the name, and look for brands that have done third-party testing.
The Benefits: Taking action now will yield results down the road. Research shows that when people reduce their PFAS exposure, blood levels of these chemicals decrease over several years.
