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HWN Suggests

These Chemicals Are Forever: Water Contamination from PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS

PFASs, and PFOA and PFOS in particular, have been in the spotlight due to numerous incidents of widespread contamination and mounting toxicological evidence, much of which came from the producers and users of the chemicals themselves. As a result, PFOA and PFOS have been targeted for control and removal by various cities, states and the federal government. While awareness of these substances seems to have gained momentum over the past 20 years, evidence of PFASs’ stubborn persistence and toxicity has been around since the late 1960s and 70s, only to be overlooked until relatively recently. This resulted in delayed intervention, even as the substances continue to be released into the environment.

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Featured

 The Truth About PFAS, PFOS, and Other “Forever Chemicals”

PFAS and PFOS have been increasingly mentioned in discussions about environmental health and safety in recent years. These synthetic chemicals are found in everyday products, from non-stick cookware to stain-resistant fabrics. The movie "Dark Waters," which chronicles the legal battle against DuPont over the contamination of water supplies with PFAS, has brought significant attention to these issues. As concerns grow about their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts, it's important to understand what PFAS and PFOS are, how they affect us, and what steps we can take to mitigate their presence.

 ‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Another Health Condition, Study Says

A new study, published in the scientific journal Environment International, found that people exposed to two major environmental toxins — known as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) — are more likely to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or MS. "We saw that several individual substances, such as PFOS and two hydroxylated PCBs [substances that arise when PCBs are broken down in the body], were linked to increased odds for MS," Kim Kultima, who led the Sweden-based study, said in a press release.

Articles of Interest

PFOA, PFOS, and Related PFAS Chemicals

There are many PFAS, but the ones that have been made and used the most in the United States are PFOA and PFOS. While these 2 chemicals are no longer made in the US, people can still be exposed to them (see “What is being done about PFOA and other PFAS?”). Most of the studies so far that have looked at possible health effects of PFAS have focused on PFOA, mainly because it has been used the most. Many studies have looked at whether PFOA can cause cancer.

PFOS and PFOA in Drinking-water: Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality

Although the stability of PFOS and PFOA as well as their surfactant properties make them useful in consumer and industrial applications, there are concerns with their persistence and impacts on the environment and human health, as a result of exposure through the widespread uses of these chemicals. Drinking-water is one of several environmental sources of human exposure to PFAS, along with exposure via food, use in consumer products and occupational exposures.

Revisiting the “forever chemicals”, PFOA and PFOS exposure in drinking water

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), known as the most detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various environmental compartments, have been associated with plastic pollution and endocrine dysfunction.

Scientists Think This Oddball Organism Could Help Take the 'Forever' Out of Forever Chemicals

A new study analyzes a bacterium that has developed a “taste” for PFAS, and is capable of breaking down a highly persistent chemical known as PFOS. Scientists are now working on ways to speed up the bacteria’s ability to accomplish this much-needed remediation.

What Are PFOS and PFOA?

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs or “forever chemicals”) that have been widely studied and are known for their persistence in the environment.

What is PFAS and PFOS? A Deep Dive into These Harmful Chemicals and How to Protect Your Drinking Water

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industries due to their unique properties, such as resistance to water, oil, and heat. However, these same properties make them extremely persistent in the environment and in human bodies, leading to significant health concerns. But don't worry, there are ways to protect yourself from these harmful chemicals...

What is the difference between PFOS and PFAS?

PFAS is a broad term that refers to a large group of man-made chemicals that contain fluorine atoms. This group includes thousands of different compounds and are highly resistant to degradation. PFOS is a specific type of PFAS as well as one of the most well-known examples. PFOS has been used since the 1940s in firefighting foams, stain-resistant clothing and non-stick cookware.

Resources

Stop the POPS

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), sometimes known as “forever chemicals” are a group of toxic chemicals that can survive for long periods of time in the environment. They can be found in households, workplaces, agricultural products and even the very food we eat. It’s time to protect yourself and “Stop the POPs” today!

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people

PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid

There are few contaminants that have been found around the world like Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS). Used in many popular consumer goods such as stain-resistant carpets, non-stick pans/utensils, cardboard boxes, and greaseproof packaging. PFOS has the potential to infiltrate the environment and become a serious threat to human and animal health.

EPA

PFOS and PFOA are part of a larger group of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs, which are highly fluorinated aliphatic molecules, have been released to the environment through industrial manufacturing and through use and disposal of PFAS-containing products