PFAS: Understanding "forever chemicals" and their health risks
For several years now, PFAS have regularly made headlines in health and environmental news. Contaminated drinking water, polluted soil, everyday products called into question… These substances are causing growing concern.
Why are they referred to as “forever chemicals”? Are they truly dangerous? And how are we exposed to them in our daily lives?
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) include several thousand synthetic molecules developed starting in the 1950s.
Their chemical specificity lies in the carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest known. This stability gives them sought-after properties: resistance to heat, water, grease, and chemicals.
But this same stability creates a major problem: PFAS break down extremely slowly in the environment.
They are therefore called “forever chemicals” because they persist for decades, or even longer, in soil, water, air, and living organisms. Once released, they circulate and accumulate.
Which products contain PFAS?
PFAS have been widely used in many industrial sectors and consumer products.
They can be found in:
- firefighting foams,
- certain waterproof or stain-resistant textiles,
- grease-resistant food packaging,
- non-stick cookware,
- certain electronic components,
- specific cosmetics and household products.
This wide range of uses explains their widespread presence in the environment. Emissions may come from industrial facilities, contaminated sites, or the resuspension of urban dust. Even after the production of certain molecules has stopped, their persistence continues to contribute to exposure.
Are PFAS dangerous?
There is not just one PFAS, but several thousand compounds, with varying toxicological profiles. However, for some of the most studied ones, associations have been established with several concerning health effects.
Scientific research notably points to:
- endocrine disruption,
- impaired immune response,
- effects on fertility and development,
- an increased risk of certain cancers (kidney, testicular),
- measurable accumulation in blood, urine, or breast milk.
It is important to note that not all molecules have the same level of scientific evidence. However, their persistent and bioaccumulative nature raises a major public health concern. The challenge also lies in chronic exposure to low doses over long periods of time.
Which foods contain the highest levels of PFAS?
Today, ingestion is the main route of exposure for the general population. The most affected foods include:
- fish and seafood from contaminated areas,
- certain meats,
- eggs,
- dairy products,
- foods grown or raised on contaminated soils.
Drinking water can also be a significant source of exposure in certain regions. PFAS can migrate into food from soil, irrigation water, or packaging. Their ability to accumulate along the food chain explains the higher levels found in some animal-based products.
Are PFAS present in the air?
Although water and food are the main routes of exposure, air is not free from contamination.
Studies have detected PFAS in ambient air, particularly near industrial sites or former areas where firefighting foams were used. These substances can also be found in household dust.
Inhalation represents a less dominant route of exposure than ingestion, but it is clearly identified. However, data remain limited, as PFAS monitoring campaigns in air are still underdeveloped and specific regulatory values are rare. This means that part of the overall exposure is still poorly characterized.
Why do PFAS represent a major economic issue?
Beyond their health impacts, PFAS generate considerable environmental and economic costs. Expenses related to healthcare, environmental monitoring, soil and water remediation, and the management of contaminated sites amount to very high sums at the international level.
Some estimates suggest that cumulative costs could reach several hundred billion euros by 2050 in Europe in the absence of stronger restrictions. The issue therefore goes beyond the individual level: it concerns the overall management of environmental risk.
PFAS and HEPA filters: a technical paradox to consider
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, used in air purifiers and certain air handling units, are designed to capture fine particles and protect occupants from many pollutants.
However, some HEPA filter designs use PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) membranes or ePTFE (expanded PTFE). PTFE belongs to the fluoropolymer family, which is itself classified among per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the broad scope of European regulatory definitions (ECHA).
It is important to distinguish between several situations:
- Not all HEPA filters contain PTFE. Many models are primarily made of fiberglass, polypropylene, or polyester fibers.
- Fluoropolymers such as PTFE are so-called “polymeric” PFAS. Their toxicological behavior differs from that of non-polymeric PFAS, which are more mobile and bioaccumulative (such as PFOA or PFOS).
- The environmental issue mainly concerns the full life cycle: manufacturing (possible use of fluorinated processing aids), industrial processing, and end-of-life management of the product.
To date, there is no robust evidence showing significant emissions of PFAS into indoor air from HEPA filters under normal use conditions. The main issue identified by European authorities relates more to the overall environmental persistence of PFAS and to reducing emissions throughout their life cycle.
There is nevertheless an interesting paradox: a device designed to protect indoor air can, in certain technological configurations, incorporate materials that belong to the “forever chemicals” family.
This does not mean that these filters constitute a major source of exposure, but it highlights the growing importance of an approach that integrates:
- immediate health performance,
- the environmental footprint of materials, and the overall consistency of the proposed solutions.
Conclusion
PFAS are persistent synthetic substances that have been widely used for more than 70 years and are now present in all environmental compartments: water, soil, air, and the food chain. Exposure occurs mainly through food and drinking water, but also through air and dust.
Although not all molecules are equally well documented, several PFAS are associated with significant health effects. Their persistence and accumulation justify the current regulatory debates and increasing monitoring efforts. Understanding these mechanisms helps to better grasp the health, environmental, and economic challenges linked to these “forever chemicals.”
Information on air quality and news from TEQOYA
How does an air ionizer work?
#Essential
Natural environments are rich in negative ions. This is precisely the principle on which the air ionizer is based on. However, do you know how this technology manages to capture the pollution particles contained in the indoor air to purify your home?
Are air purifiers effective against viruses, especially the coronavirus COVID-19
#Virus and microorganismes #L'essentiel
In December 2019, a respiratory virus of the Coronavirus family appeared in the Wuhan region of China and has now spread to all continents.
What is eco-responsibility?
#Essential
Purifying indoor air while protecting your health and the planet is possible! Say goodbye to filters and make way for negative ions: choose an eco-responsible air purifier that will easily reduce energy and resource consumption.
Contact
