It’s almost impossible to entirely avoid forever chemicals. We will explain why below and give you a few tips on what you can do to reduce your exposure to PFAS.
Why Is It Seemingly Impossible to Avoid Forever Chemicals?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are in almost everything we ingest. They are in our food and water. In fact, a United States Geological Survey (USGS) study from 2023 found that 45% of tap water across the United States is contaminated with at least one type of forever chemical.
However, a survey from an environmental watchdog group found that all major sources of drinking water in the United States are likely contaminated with PFAS.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Avoid PFAS?
There is hope, however. There are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure to these toxic chemicals:
- Buy things labeled “PFAS free.” This includes avoiding nonstick cookware and pans and instead buying stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, or glass. Also, look for PFAS-free cosmetics, baby products, furniture, apparel, upholstery, shoes, and rugs.
- Use glass containers instead of plastic for leftovers.
- Check where your fish comes from. According to a study from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), eating just one serving of fish from certain freshwater sources is equal to one month of drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
- Test your water for PFAS. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends contacting your state to determine whether they have state certified laboratories that can test for PFAS.
- Drink bottled water. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, the plastic packaging for bottled water is “not considered a potential source for PFAS exposure.” The study also found that purified water contained fewer amounts of PFAS chemicals than spring water.
- Drink filtered water. According to the EPA, there are a few types of water filters that can remove some types of PFAS. Filters that can help remove these harmful chemicals include:
- Charcoal, also known as Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters
- Reverse osmosis systems
- Ion exchange resins
You can also get your blood tested for PFAS. It’s important to note that current tests don’t tell you whether your levels of PFAS are high or low; they just tell you the amount of PFAS present in your body.
Has the Government Done Anything to Reduce PFAS Exposure?
Yes. Up until very recently, PFAS were not strictly regulated. In April 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration finalized the first national drinking water standard. This drinking standard will reduce PFAS exposure for around 100 million people and protect thousands from forever chemicals-related illnesses and deaths.
States have also passed dozens of laws over the past decade banning certain types of PFAS. Several states have also previously implemented drinking-water standards that were below the EPA’s unenforceable guideline.
The Food and Drug Administration announced in February 2024 that food packaging will no longer include certain types of grease-proofing PFAS.
Where Are PFAS Found?
PFAS are found in both public water and private well sources. Much of PFAS exposure is due to contaminated water. However, PFAS are also found in food packaging, cosmetics, apparel, rugs, and upholstery (many are treated with PFAS to resist stains).
PFAS exposure can also happen through plants and animals grown, raised, fed, and processed in certain areas.
PFAS exposure is often higher closer to where PFAS are manufactured or released into the air or water. Potential sources of exposure include:
- Airports (Aqueous Film Forming Foam or AFFF is often used to fight fires at airports.)
- Firehouses
- Fire training areas
- Industrial areas
- Military bases
- Paper mills
- Landfills
- Waste management facilities
It’s important to note that you need to be consistently exposed to PFAS for ill effects. If you go to an airport and drink a glass of water, you won’t get sick.
Note: You can see whether you are in a high-exposure area by checking the maps offered by PFAS-REACH and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Why Are Forever Chemicals So Dangerous?
PFAS are called forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment or our bodies. This means that we regularly drink water contaminated with PFAS and these chemicals continue to build up in our bodies.
Forever chemicals have been linked to:
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
Filing a Forever Chemicals Lawsuit
If you meet the following criteria, you could qualify for a forever chemicals lawsuit:
- You drank PFAS-contaminated water for at least six consecutive months starting on or after January 1, 1990, AND
- You were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, testicular cancer, liver cancer, or kidney cancer after January 1, 2000.
Our team can help you determine if you are eligible for a PFAS mass tort. We can also connect you with a lawyer who can help you establish what damages you can recover and fight for every dollar you need. They may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Other related non-economic damages
Get Connected to a PFAS Lawsuit Lawyer Today
The Guardian Legal Network wants to help you hold PFAS manufacturers liable for exposing you to these dangerous chemicals. Call today to get connected with a PFAS lawsuit attorney: (844) 207-0415.
Attorneys typically handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront for legal help.