-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email This article was originally published on The Conversation . Many substances harmful to human health are finding their way into our drinking water. These include the so-called 'forever chemicals,' per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
A group of fluorinated chemical compounds, they are resistant to degradation, bioaccumulate in tissues, and are highly mobile in the environment. Widely used as non-stick coatings, stain repellents and surfactants, among other industrial applications, PFAS have become a major environmental and health concern over the last 10 to 20 years. PFAS can now be detected almost anywhere using the right analytical equipment.
This has raised concerns about the health effects of current exposure levels. Multiple exposures Our exposure to PFAS comes from drinking water, air, food and, to a lesser extent, absorption through skin. Although it is difficult to reduce exposure by the airborne route, more frequent cleaning of the house can help to minimize the inhalation of dust containing PFAS.
However, this route of exposure requires further research. Significant levels of PFAS can also be found in food and food packaging. As long as regulation in this area remains limited, it will be particularly difficult to try to reduce our exposure to PFAS by changing our eating habits, unless it becomes clear what food is less contaminated or if a large portion of the products available in the grocery shop are contaminated.
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