PFAS! “What exactly are “permanent chemicals”?

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What exactly are PFAS? PFAS stands for perfluoro and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a class of synthetic chemicals. Due to the extreme stability of the carbon-fluorine bond, PFAS are extremely difficult to degrade in the environment and can remain there for a long time, which is why they are known as \"permanently persistent chemicals\". PFAS has a wide range of applications. Thanks to its excellent properties such as water resistance, oil resistance, and heat tolerance, it is present in many aspects of our daily lives – for example, in the coatings of non-stick pans, in the oil-resistant packaging used for hamburgers and fried chicken, in raincoats and dirt-resistant shoe uppers, in fire-fighting foams, and in cosmetics with long-lasting water resistance. Although PFAS is very useful, it has a fatal flaw: it can hardly be broken down in the environment, and it is also difficult for the human body to metabolize it. Once it enters our bodies, it stays there for a long time, gradually accumulating in tissues such as the liver and blood; over time, this leads to various health problems. Stay away from PFAS by following these tips! 1. Use PFAS-containing products less often; try to avoid using products that contain PFAS, such as waterproof, oil-resistant, and stain-resistant textiles, coatings, etc. Choose alternatives that do not contain PFAS, such as opting for natural or additive-free options. 2. Be aware of food packaging: PFAS may be present in certain materials used for food packaging, such as takeout containers and microwave-safe food bags. Try to use paper or biodegradable packaging materials, and avoid plastic packaging that contains PFAS. 3. Install a water purifier or filter. Using filters or installing a water purifier can help remove PFAS from water. At the same time, adopting a fiber-rich diet can reduce the risk of diseases associated with PFAS exposure. Regularly clean the home environment to reduce the accumulation of PFAS in dust. 4. Choose unscented cosmetics. Try to opt for natural or unscented cosmetics and personal care products. If the product does not list its chemical components, you can choose a product that is relatively easy to wash off. 5. Choose pots without coatings. When selecting pots and kitchen utensils, it is recommended to buy products that do not contain PFAS; opt for pots without coatings as they offer a higher level of safety. “Is it necessary to be terrified of fluorine? Expert analysis: Based on the current products available on the market, as ordinary consumers, it is often impossible to determine on one’s own whether the clothing being worn contains PFAS. However, in the view of Wu Kean, an expert in the fluorine chemicals industry, there is no need to be terrified of fluorine. “Most PFAS are not substances with acute toxicity, and brief exposure to small amounts of them does not cause serious harm to the human body. Wearing clothes once or twice, for a year or two, is no problem. ”Wu Ke’an said, “What we really need to worry about is not the impact of PFAS in windbreakers on human health, but rather the fact that if companies do not recycle and destroy these toxic PFAS as much as possible during their production and use, they will continue to accumulate in the environment with little tendency to degrade. As their concentration increases, they can cause harm to living organisms and humans.” ” Regarding consumers who are concerned about PFAS in products, Wu Ke’an also said that exposure can be reduced by choosing products labeled as “PFAS-Free”. Currently, some outdoor brands are offering waterproof clothing free of PFAS, and consumers can pay attention to the label information when making purchases.