Recently, a study conducted by the BBC stated that “... a planetary boundary has been crossed -  there simply is no safe space on Earth to avoid these substances.”

In this Boreal Community Media exclusive four-part series, we are breaking down PFAS - what they are, how they affect humans and animals, what is being done about them on a national and local level, and what we can do.  

What are PFAS? Where do they come from?

These extremely small particles known as PFAS (which stands for “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances”, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency), were developed originally as a large group of chemicals in the 1930s as a way to repeal water and grease (Minnesota-based 3M is a major manufacturer). There are an estimated 5,000-9,000 chemicals referred to as PFAS, but only a few individual PFAS are monitored regularly. 

These substances are commonly used in everyday items such as non-stick cookware, carpeting, waterproof clothing, food packaging (grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers), personal care products, dusting materials and cleaners, upholstery, and more (source). 

Larger sources include airports, (although Congress required the FAA to come up with alternatives to PFAS foam by October last year, but as of this time, it has not yet identified suitable replacements (source)),  fracking sites, drilling and other phases of oil and gas extraction, and military bases. 

Breaking down PFAS

PFAS is an umbrella term for thousands of these so-called “forever chemicals”, and can be broken down into two main subgroups: PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid). These two main subgroups are the most widely studied and well-known PFAS. 

You likely know of PFOS as Scotchguard or other stain-proof/water-proof household textile items. PFOA on the other hand, is commonly known as Teflon. Additionally, PFOA can be found in household textiles and floor wax. 

In 2006, many major US manufacturers of PFOAs agreed to voluntarily phase them out. However, there were no official regulations set, meaning a few companies in the United States were still able to and continue to use them. Additionally, there are little to no regulations on PFAS overseas, so any item imported may contain them as well. 

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) calls PFAS “emerging contaminants”. Emerging contaminants are “contaminants about which we have a new awareness or understanding about how they move in the environment or affect public health. They are subject to active research and study, meaning new information is released frequently.

In fact, on August 26, 2022, the EPA designated PFAS as hazardous substances under the so-called Superfund law, meaning that releases of long-lasting chemicals known as PFOA and PFOS that meet or exceed a certain quantity would have to be reported to federal, state or tribal officials. But what exactly is the issue with PFAS?

PFAS problems

PFAS are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” meaning, they never actually break down in any environment. According to one source, “because of their chemical makeup, they can stay intact for thousands of years” (source). Moreover, they can bioaccumulate - meaning they build up over time with consistent exposure - in humans and animals. The good news is that levels can decline if PFAS exposure stops. 

A map shows the estimated 2,854 sites in 50 U.S. states and two territories contaminated with PFAS, with points in purple representing military sites. (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine) (source)

Impacts on human and animal health

A few of the most studied PFAS are known to be hazardous to human and animal health. 

Some of the common hazards in humans are pregnancy complications, high cholesterol, kidney disease and cancer, thyroid issues, and testicular cancer. 

Several different studies on animals who were exposed to some PFAS resulted in the following: 

• decreased fertility

• increased risk of certain cancers

• changes in the body’s cholesterol levels

• changes in the body’s hormones and immune system

• high blood pressure in pregnant women 

• development delays in children 

• low birth weight in children

• risk of obesity 

In studies where animals were exposed to high levels of PFAS showed: 

• low birth weight

• delayed puberty onset

• elevated cholesterol levels

• reduced immunity response to vaccines
   

When it comes to determining what levels of exposure are harmful, the US EPA, US Pollution Control Agency (PCA), and state-level entities (health departments are often heavily involved) all work to come up with a measurement. But how are we exposed in the first place?

Exposure to PFAS

PFAS can move easily through the environment due to their ability to repeal water and grease. If a product made with these forever chemicals spills or leaks, for example, it can soak into the ground and get into drinking or surface bodies of water. Or, PFAS can be released into the air and get caught in rain or snow, sending it back to the ground. 

Additionally, PFAS can leach from industrial compost piles that accept paper products and food packaging that is compostable but contain PFAS, or landfills, and get into drinking water supplies or surface water. (This doesn’t mean you should stop composting. In fact, municipal and backyard composting bins are less likely to contain high levers of PFAS.)

PFAS are then ingested by humans through contaminated drinking water (the most common source of ingestion) and food via cookware, food packaging, exposed livestock (dairy and meat from cows is a large source), or fish. 

They are so widespread, that one study conducted in 2020 found PFAS in the bloodstreams of 99 percent of people tested (source).

But not all locations within the United States (and the rest of the world) are created equal. As we’ll explore in the upcoming parts of this series, locations near military bases, airports, manufacturing plants or other large PFAS sources are more at risk for high levels of contamination. 

In parts two, three, and four, we will explore how PFAS are being addressed on a national and local level, and what we can do to help reduce our exposure to these forever chemicals. 

Part two: PFAS are everywhere part 2: how can you destroy something that's considered a "forever" chemical?

Part three: PFAS are everywhere part 3: What is being done about PFAS in Minnesota?

Part four: PFAS are everywhere part 4: PFAS and Northern Minnesota (including Cook County)