Are You Drinking “Forever Chemicals”? per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Drinking Water and Forever Chemicals (PFAS)

“Forever chemicals” are found in human blood samples worldwide

In last month’s blog post, “Should We Consume Carbonated Water Daily?”, we learned that many bottled water products, like Topo Chico Mineral Water, contain contaminants.  These per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are referred to as “forever chemicals” because their structure prevents them from being broken down, leading to accumulation in the body (1).

Human exposure to PFAS occurs through our water, food, and air, with almost 15,000 of these synthetic chemicals present in the environment from the 1950s to the present day (1) (2).

PFAS have been found in human blood samples since the 1960s, with much of the developed world’s population now affected (1) (2).

Studies show that PFAS exposure can have various negative health effects, depending on the extent, duration, and manner of exposure (2).

Food and beverages that contain “forever chemicals”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS have been found in our water, soil, air, food, and many of the everyday products we use in our homes and at work (3).  PFAS can be found in personal care products like shampoo and dental floss, as well as stain and water repellents used on carpets, sofas, and clothing, and in fertilizers used on land that affect our water and animals (3).

Public drinking water and private wells are contaminated with PFAS from wastewater treatment plants and landfills, affecting surface and ground water (3) (20).

Freshwater fish and shellfish often contain high levels of PFAS, especially those from ponds, rivers, and bays located near airports, military bases, firefighting training facilities, and chemical plants (4).  High concentrations of PFAS have been found in the following fish: sardines, anchovies, soles, pike, bass, walleye, perch, catfish, sturgeon, white croaker, bluegill, shad, redear, and, in lower levels, salmon and trout in many regions (5). 

Wild game, like deer, have been contaminated with PFAS in certain areas of the country.  For example, deer harvested around the town of Stella, Wisconsin, were tested and found to have unsafe PFAS levels in their muscle and liver tissues (6).  Check your local fish and wildlife consumption advisories for safe consumption information in your area.

Cleaning, cooking, and smoking the food will not consistently remove PFAS contamination and, in some cases, may increase PFAS concentrations (10).

Dairy products in states like Maine and New Mexico have been affected by PFAS contamination.  As animals graze on grass grown in contaminated soil, PFAS contamination and transfer from soil to feed to milk are high (7).  PFAS accumulate in the fat of animals, and fat-containing products like milk, cheese, and butter are susceptible to high concentrations.

Food packaging like fast food wrappers and grease-resistant paper, as well as microwave bags, parchment paper, and pizza boxes, contains PFAS.  The problem with PFAS-containing packaging is, primarily, when food is hot, oily, or acidic, PFAS migrate from the packaging into the food (8).

Health concerns related to consuming “forever chemicals”

PFAS are known to bioaccumulate in tissues like the liver, kidneys, brain, bone, lungs, and blood (11).

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH) states that PFAS exposure can lead to the adverse health outcomes below (9).

Weight gain:  PFAS can alter the endocrine system, disrupting normal body weight regulation and metabolism (12).

Reduced immune function: As PFAS levels increase in the body, inflammation and autoimmune markers, such as B cell-activating factor and tumor necrosis factor, also increase, disrupting important mechanisms that prevent excessive inflammation and autoimmune conditions (13).

Increased risk of certain cancers: The 2024 US EPA Human Health Toxicity Assessments has classified certain PFAS as likely carcinogens to humans.  Due to studies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer summarized findings stating that PFOA (kidney, breast, and testicular cancer) is “carcinogenic for humans” (Group 1), and PFOS (bladder, prostate, liver, kidney, and breast cancer) is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) (14) (19).

Reduced bone mineral density: PFAS can disrupt endocrine function and damage organs, such as the liver, leading to deregulation of necessary elements like calcium, vitamin D metabolism, and IGF-1 that support bone growth (15).

Delayed onset of puberty in girls: PFAS may delay puberty onset in females, as it affects reproductive hormones like DHEAS (16).

Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Studies show that higher PFAS exposure can increase type 2 diabetes risk by dysregulating the metabolism of amino acids, stimulating insulin secretion, and altering signaling molecules like bile acid conjugates, which regulate glucose metabolism (17).

Avoiding the consumption of “forever chemicals”

According to studies and government organizations such as the EPA, PFAS cause health risks and should be avoided when possible (18).

The following are tips provided by the EPA to limit exposure to PFAS (18):

·       Use a water filter for tap water (EWG recommends Epic Water Filter)

·       Avoid consuming fish from contaminated water – contact your state fish advisory agencies for details

·       For PFAS information on consumer products, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at  CPSC.gov

Further tips to reduce PFAS exposure:

·       Replace nonstick cookware with stainless steel, cast iron, glass, or ceramic alternatives

·       Avoid grease-resistant fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and takeout containers, and use “PFAS-free” products

·       Use “PFAS-free” personal care products – you can check products at EWG

·       Support your body’s natural detox pathways – consume cruciferous vegetables, stay hydrated each day, sweat with exercise or saunas, consume dietary soluble fiber (oat fiber, psyllium husk, beans), and consume antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark leafy greens, and beans if tolerated