Understanding the PFAS Controversy and Impacts

Nov 4, 2024

Lecture on PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Introduction

  • PFAS Definition: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals used in various products for their non-stick properties.
  • Brands: Utilized by brands like Gore-Tex and Teflon.
  • Usage: PFAS are used to make surfaces non-stick, preventing substances from adhering to them.

Health Impacts of PFAS

  • Health Issues: High exposure linked to:
    • High cholesterol
    • Ulcerative colitis
    • Pregnancy-induced hypertension
    • Thyroid disease
    • Testicular and kidney cancer
    • Decreased vaccine response
  • Longevity: Known as "forever chemicals" due to lifetimes estimated in the thousands of years.

Historical Context and Corporate Responsibility

  • Early Knowledge: By the time Teflon was advertised, companies like 3M and DuPont knew PFAS were harmful. They accumulated in humans and animals, didn't degrade easily, and could cause liver size increase in animals.
  • 1981: 3M found PFAS caused birth defects in rats. DuPont found similar issues in human children but did not disclose them.
  • 1991: Clear warnings from 3M to DuPont to avoid dumping PFAS in waterways were ignored.
  • 1993: DuPont had an alternative to PFAS but chose not to use it due to financial risks.

Regulatory and Environmental Impact

  • Regulation Issues: Under the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA's power to require testing is limited without evidence of harm.
  • Health Advisory: In 2016, the EPA set a non-enforceable advisory level for PFAS in drinking water at 70 parts per trillion.
  • Environmental Presence: PFAS are found globally in blood samples, with 99.7% of Americans having C8 in their blood.

Case Studies and Consequences

  • Epidemiological Findings: Elevated cancer rates in communities with high PFAS exposure, especially near DuPont plants.
  • Individual Cases: Example of McNaughton family with extremely high PFAS levels in drinking water.

Corporate Responses

  • Current Industry Practices: Many companies like Wolverine have been slow to address PFAS contamination.
  • DuPont and Gen X: Switched from C8 to Gen X but concerns remain about safety and water contamination levels.

Consumer Impact and Options

  • Products: PFAS present in non-stick cookware, waterproof/stain-proof clothing, and some food packaging.
  • Consumer Measures: Possible solutions include using bottled water or reverse osmosis filters.

Recommendations and Solutions

  • Legislation: Need for stricter regulations, limiting PFAS use to essential products only.
  • Regulatory Reform: Advocacy for class-based chemical regulation instead of individual chemical testing.

Conclusion

  • Overall Message: PFAS pose significant health and environmental challenges, with a need for comprehensive legislative and industry changes to address their widespread use and contamination.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the issues surrounding PFAS, including their health impacts, historical corporate knowledge, regulatory challenges, and the need for stronger legislative action.