PFAS and Human Health

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used for their durability and resistance to heat, water, and oil. Referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS are linked to environmental contamination and health concerns, including cancer and developmental delays. This webpage synthesizes recent research on PFAS, exploring their sources, exposure routes, health impacts, and global efforts to mitigate their risks.

Sources of PFAS

PFAS enter the environment through various pathways:

• Industrial facilities producing firefighting foams, textiles, or coatings (EPA, 2020).
• Consumer products like nonstick cookware, fast-food packaging, and cosmetics (Johansson et al., 2021).
• Improperly managed waste disposal and leachate from landfills.
• Wastewater treatment plants, which fail to fully filter PFAS (Liu et al., 2020).

Image Source: Habib et al. (2024). Retrieved from MDPI Pollutants.

Routes of Exposure

Humans are exposed to PFAS through:

• Drinking water contaminated by industrial runoff or firefighting foam (EPA, 2020).
• Consumption of fish and produce grown in contaminated water or soil.
• Inhalation of PFAS particles from indoor dust or industrial emissions (Liu et al., 2020).
• Direct contact with PFAS-containing products (Johansson et al., 2021).

Health Impacts of PFAS Exposure

PFAS exposure has been associated with various adverse health effects, including:

• Increased cholesterol levels.
• Immune system suppression (Salter et al., 2019).
• Reduced fertility and pregnancy-related complications.
• Developmental effects in children, including low birth weight (Johansson et al., 2021).
• Increased risk of cancers (e.g., kidney and testicular) (Liu et al., 2020).
• Thyroid hormone disruption (Salter et al., 2019).

These impacts have been observed in populations with high PFAS exposure, such as communities near contaminated water sources and industrial facilities (EPA, 2020).

Image Source: PFAS & How They Affect Health (2024). Retrieved from Public Health Madison & Dane County.

Mitigation Efforts

• Regulating PFAS usage through policies like the EPA's PFAS Action Plan (EPA, 2020).
• Developing filtration technologies, such as granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems (Salter et al., 2019).
• Encouraging the development of PFAS-free alternatives for industrial applications.
• Educating the public about safer consumer choices.

Global Impact

PFAS contamination has emerged as a significant global issue, impacting human health and the environment across continents. These synthetic chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistent nature, have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products, leading to widespread environmental contamination. The global impact of PFAS can be examined through several key dimensions:

Environmental Impact

• Soil and Water Contamination: PFAS have been detected in soil and water sources around the world, particularly in regions near manufacturing facilities and military bases. Groundwater near these sites can contain PFAS levels exceeding safety standards, affecting local ecosystems and drinking water supplies (Gauthier et al., 2020).
• Wildlife: PFAS accumulation in wildlife can disrupt the endocrine system of various species, affecting reproduction and development (Baker et al., 2020). Bioaccumulation in food chains poses a risk to predators, including humans, who consume contaminated fish and game.
• Global Transport: PFAS can be transported over long distances through water and air, leading to contamination in remote areas, such as the Arctic (Gouin et al., 2018).

Image Source: Mahmoudnia (2023). Retrieved from Springer Nature.

Economic Impact

• Water Treatment Costs: The presence of PFAS in drinking water has significant economic implications for municipalities. Upgrading water treatment facilities can incur substantial costs (EPA, 2021).
• Public Health Expenditures: Health effects associated with PFAS exposure can lead to increased public health spending for monitoring and medical costs (Land et al., 2020).
• Legal and Liability Issues: Companies face increasing legal challenges and liability claims related to PFAS contamination, impacting corporate profitability (Vandenberg et al., 2016).

Social Implications

• Public Awareness and Advocacy: Growing awareness of PFAS contamination has led to increased advocacy and demand for regulatory action (Scheringer et al., 2020).
• Regulatory Responses: Governments worldwide are beginning to respond to the PFAS crisis by implementing stricter regulations (European Chemicals Agency, 2021).
• Health Disparities: Vulnerable populations are often disproportionately affected by PFAS contamination, exacerbating existing health disparities (Brown et al., 2020).

The global impact of PFAS is profound and multifaceted, touching on environmental, economic, and social issues. As awareness grows and research continues to uncover the extent of contamination, it is crucial for governments, industries, and communities to work together to address the challenges posed by these persistent pollutants.

Conclusion

PFAS pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. Continued research and public awareness are vital for addressing these challenges.

References

• Baker, J. E., & others. (2020). PFAS Accumulation in Wildlife: Effects on Ecosystems. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 39(3), 751-762. Link
• Brown, P., & others. (2020). The Social Implications of PFAS Contamination: Health Disparities and Environmental Justice. Journal of Environmental Health, 82(2), 36-43. Link
• EPA. (2020). PFAS Action Plan: Addressing PFAS contamination. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Link
• European Chemicals Agency. (2021). Proposal to Restrict PFAS. Link
• Gauthier, J., & others. (2020). Contaminated Groundwater: The PFAS Challenge. Water Research, 175, 115675. Link
• Gouin, T., & others. (2018). Environmental Fate of PFAS: Long-Range Transport. Environmental Science & Technology, 52(5), 2673-2681. Link
• Habib, Z., Song, M., Ikram, S., & Zahra, Z. (2024). Overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), their applications, sources, and potential impacts on human health. Pollutants, 4(1), 136–152. Link
• Johansson, P., Schmidt, N., & Jensen, S. (2021). Routes of PFAS exposure and their effects on human health: A review. Environmental Health Perspectives, 129(10), 106-119. Link
• Land, M., & others. (2020). Public Health Costs Associated with PFAS Exposure. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 26(3), 233-239. Link
• Liu, J., Zhou, L., & Zhang, X. (2020). Health impacts of PFAS exposure: A comprehensive review of environmental and human health effects. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 47, 49-63. Link
• Mahmoudnia, A. (2023). The role of PFAS in unsettling ocean carbon sequestration. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195(2). Link
• PFAS & how they affect health. (2024, November 20). Public Health Madison & Dane County. Link
• Salter, D. M., Williams, J. L., & Thomson, K. A. (2019). Mitigation efforts to reduce PFAS exposure: Advances in filtration technologies and policy recommendations. Science of the Total Environment, 710, 136283. Link
• Scheringer, M., & others. (2020). Community Activism and PFAS: A Call for Action. Environmental Science & Policy, 114, 149-155. Link
• Vandenberg, L. N., & others. (2016). The Health Risks of PFAS: A Review of Recent Studies. Environmental Research Letters, 11(12), 124023. Link