Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/pfas-health-risks/

Dangerous chemicals known as forever chemicals, or PFAS, have become a pervasive threat to our health and the environment.

As the Associated Press reports, these highly toxic chemicals, linked to cancer and other serious health problems, do not break down in the environment and build up in our bodies and those of our pets over time. A study by the Environmental Working Group found PFAS in everything from baby supplies to pet food.

The testing revealed that these harmful chemicals were present in baby bedding, clothes, and toys, as well as the packaging of popular brands of dog and cat food, The Guardian reports. As pet owners and parents, this is alarming news. We often trust that the products we purchase for our loved ones are safe and free from harm, but this is not always the case.

Pet owner Ladarius Jackson told Yahoo! News that he was worried when he learned the food he gave his dog could harm her.

“It’s actually kind of scary to know that. I didn’t know that actually,” he said.

EWG tested bags of seven popular pet food brands and found fluorine, which indicates the presence of PFAS, in all of them. Further testing revealed that specific PFAS were present in four of the brands tested, EcoWatch reports.

Sydney Evans, an EWG representative, warns that any level of PFAS is cause for concern. These chemicals accumulate in our bodies and those of our pets over time and do not break down in the environment.

Similarly, EWG tested 34 samples of baby items, including clothes, bedding, and toys, and found that all of them contained fluorine. Further testing revealed detectable levels of PFAS in 10 of the samples. Forever chemicals end up as dust in our homes, where we can breathe them in. The biggest concern is pets and children crawling around on the floor, putting their hands and toys in their mouths.

The Scope of the PFAS Problem

Forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products for decades, The Guardian reports. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in our bodies over time, leading to serious health problems. According to LeafScore, these chemicals are found in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware, and recent testing has shown that they are also present in everyday items such as drinking water and personal care products.

Regulating and identifying products with PFAS is a difficult task due to the lack of comprehensive labeling requirements and the wide range of products that contain these chemicals. Some companies have voluntarily phased out the use of PFAS in their products, but others continue to use them. In addition, PFAS can be found in many different types of products under a variety of names, making it difficult for consumers to identify them. The lack of regulation and identification also makes it difficult for government agencies to track the use and distribution of these chemicals and enforce any restrictions or bans.

The Impact on Health

When it comes to forever chemicals, the health risks associated with PFAS cannot be overlooked. PFAS can enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Once in our bodies, they can accumulate and persist for years. PFAS have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and thyroid issues. These chemicals are also known to weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and illnesses. Moreover, PFAS exposure can lead to developmental problems in children, such as delayed growth and learning disabilities.

Studies show the dangers of PFAS exposure are compounded for pets and children, who are particularly vulnerable due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. Children may unknowingly ingest PFAS from contaminated toys, food packaging, or even from their parents’ clothes. Similarly, pets may come into contact with PFAS from their bedding, toys, or food packaging. Given their small size, pets are also more likely to be impacted by PFAS exposure, making it crucial for pet owners to be aware of the potential risks.

“PFAS is so toxic at such low levels that any level really is cause for concern,” Evans said. “There are quite a few health concerns. Earlier on studies were showing links to various kinds of cancer to thyroid issues.”

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has called on the Environmental Protection Agency to do more to identify products with PFAS, saying, “I’m taking this action now because we need to understand definitely whether, in baby’s clothes or crib sheets or other products, there is hazards to their health posed by these PFAS chemicals.”

The Pet Food Institute (PFI), which represents pet food manufacturers, responded to concerns about PFAS in pet food packaging with a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety and adherence to FDA regulations. According to the PFI, certain PFAS have been authorized by the FDA for use in cookware and food packaging materials for their non-stick and oil- and water-repellant properties. Before FDA approval, the manufacturer must submit extensive scientific data to ensure the safety of all substances present in the food-contact material. The PFI asserts that packaging with FDA-approved food contact substances is designed to protect the safety and integrity of food. They also encourage packaging suppliers to continuously search for superior packaging options and are hopeful for advancements and innovations in science that lead to the availability of alternative, vetted packaging materials that are FDA-approved, like the materials currently in use.

While the FDA does have approval processes for food contact substances, some critics argue that they are not stringent enough. The FDA’s current process is primarily based on voluntary submission of data by manufacturers, and the agency does not have the authority to require safety testing or impose limits on the use of these substances. This means that the safety of many food packaging materials, including those containing PFAS, is largely determined by the manufacturers themselves.

Due to the limitations of current regulations, many environmental and public health organizations are calling for increased regulation of PFAS and other potentially harmful substances. In particular, they are pushing for stronger federal regulations that would require manufacturers to submit safety data and limit the use of these chemicals in consumer products. Some states have already taken action, with several banning or restricting the use of PFAS in certain products. The FDA has also announced plans to phase out certain PFAS in food packaging materials, though this process is expected to take several years.

Take Action to Reduce Health Risks

It’s clear that immediate action is needed to mitigate the risks of PFAS exposure. Consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure by filtering their water, avoiding stain-resistant and waterproof products, and cooking at home. Regular dusting can also help remove PFAS from homes. However, individual action is not enough. We need increased regulation to prevent the use of PFAS in everyday products and to ensure that food packaging is safe for consumption.

We urge you to take action by calling on the FDA to increase regulation of PFAS and other potentially harmful substances used in baby bedding, clothes, toys and food packaging. By coming together, we can demand that our health and safety come first. We cannot wait any longer to address the growing threat of PFAS. Click below to take action!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog