What’s the Hype With PFAS?

What’s the Hype With PFAS

Being in the health and safety industry, one topic comes up almost daily in my emails and the news that I read. This topic is PFAS. What is it? Why is it important to understand? And what are people doing about it?

PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. It’s a group of human-made chemicals since the 1940s. PFAS are known for their water- and grease-resistant properties, which make them useful in products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. These chemicals are designed to withstand degradation not only in the environment but also in the human body.

Recent studies on PFAS chemicals are showing potential health concerns that include liver damage, immune system disruption and an increase in certain cancers. They have a tendency to build up in your body and lead to adverse health problems.

Human health is just one aspect that is caused by PFAS chemicals. The other is an environmental impact. PFAS coined as “the forever chemicals,” do not break down in the environment and has been discovered to show in water spreading through the soil, and in air. People who have shown concern are trying to eliminate exposure to PFAS chemicals, through alternative purchases such as cooking ware. People will stay away from PFAS chemically treated non-stick frying pans and look for PFAS free alternatives.

Scientific studies are still being conducted to determine the potential health effects on the human body and its persistence in the environment. By understanding the dangers with PFAS products and chemicals, this creates an awareness to eliminate or reduce exposure to these types of chemicals. Awareness can also lead to safer practices which may eliminate exposure to the environment.

ICC Compliance has the ability to create your safety data sheets. Our team of experts is just a call away for our customers at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.