Forever Chemicals, Now Found in 99% of Americans

“Forever chemicals” are inside almost all of us! This name refers to a group of man-made chemicals known as PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) used in industrial and consumer products. They’re labeled “forever” since these chemicals persist in the environment and the human body. A recently released Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report shows some alarming PFAS test results. It shows a staggering 7,457 U.S. locations identified with PFAS in their water supply.¹ PFAS contamination is becoming what scientists feared—a public health disaster in the making.

PFAS includes over 9,000 synthetic chemicals used worldwide since the 1940s. These chemicals include PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), and others. PFAS are used for their water- and grease-resistant properties, which is why they’re used in everything from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing and food packaging. PFAS are also used in firefighting foams, cleaning and personal care products, and even dental floss.

“In 1946, DuPont introduced Teflon to the world, changing millions of people’s lives – and polluting their bodies. Today, the family of compounds, including Teflon, commonly called PFAS, is found not only in pots and pans but also in the blood of people worldwide, including 99 percent of Americans. PFAS chemicals pollute water, do not break down, and remain in the environment and people for decades. Some scientists call them forever chemicals.”

The Environmental Working Group

The big problem with PFAS is that they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. This means they can accumulate over time, leading to many potential health issues. Due to their widespread use and tenacity, PFAS have been found in water supplies and soil, and trace amounts have even been detected in newborn babies!²

Where Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS) Found?

PFAS are everywhere. Here are some everyday sources of exposure:

• Non-stick cookware: Most non-stick pots and pans are coated with PFAS (like Teflon) to prevent food from sticking. These chemicals may leach into food, especially when using non-stick cookware at high temperatures.
• Food packaging: PFAS are used in food packages like grease-resistant takeout containers (even healthy ones), pizza boxes, candy wrappers, and microwave popcorn bags. Although they help prevent oil from soaking through the packaging, the chemicals can migrate into the food.
• Water-resistant gear: PFAS are commonly used to make waterproof clothing, shoes, rain jackets, boots, and camping gear.
• Household products: PFAS are found in stain-resistant furniture, carpets, and cleaning products. They may also be found in electronics, cell phones, and even guitar strings.
• Personal care products:  Cosmetics (especially waterproof or long-lasting), shampoo, hygiene products (infant and adult diapers, menstrual products), and dental floss contain PFAS. A 2019 study revealed the presence of PFAS in six of 18 dental floss brands.³
• Drinking water: One of the most concerning sources of PFAS exposure is contaminated drinking water. PFAS can enter water supplies through industrial discharges, firefighting foam, and landfill runoff. These chemicals are difficult to remove from most water supplies.
• Firefighting foam: PFAS is an ingredient in firefighting materials used for oil and gasoline fires. These foams have been a significant source of environmental contamination, particularly around military bases and airports.
• Oil and gas production. PFAS are used during two of the three steps of chemical-driven oil production.
• Construction: Products such as grout, caulk, adhesives, electrical wiring, O-rings, concrete sealers, varnish, and wall paint contain PFAS.

What’s disturbing about this list is that it only scratches the surface where forever chemicals are found.

Forever Chemicals (PFAS) and Health Effects

Research has shown that exposure to PFAS can contribute to many health issues. The most well-studied PFAS, such as PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) have been linked to:

• immune system suppression, including increased susceptibility to infections and reduced vaccine responses in children,
• liver toxicity that may be at the root of cholesterol imbalances and fatty liver,
• thyroid dysfunction affecting metabolism, energy, and mood,
• certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancers,
• hormonal imbalances since PFAS are considered endocrine (hormonal system) disruptors, affecting reproduction and changes in menstrual cycles, and
• developmental delays in children and low birth weight babies, especially with prenatal PFAS exposure.

How to Protect Yourself from Forever Chemicals (PFAS)

Given the widespread presence of PFAS, avoiding them altogether may be unrealistic. The best approach is to reduce exposure and power up with nutrients that help with detoxification.

Step 1: Reduce Exposure

• Use alternatives to non-stick cookware. Choose cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware. These typically do not contain PFAS, but check labels carefully since some ceramic cookware contains them.
• Be cautious with takeout food. Avoid fast food and other packaged foods, often wrapped in PFAS-containing materials. Even containers from healthy restaurants still use PFAS containers.
• Filter your drinking water. Use a high-quality reverse osmosis water filter, which effectively removes PFAS. This is critical since drinking water is a common source of contamination.
• Choose PFAS-free products. Look for clothing, furniture, and other household items labeled as PFAS-free. Many brands now offer alternatives that don’t contain these chemicals.
• Avoid water- and stain-resistant products. Stain-resistant treatments for carpets and furniture often contain PFAS, as do wrinkle-resistant and waterproof clothing.
• Check personal care products: Some cosmetics (especially waterproof and long-lasting) and personal care products may contain PFAS. Check ingredient labels and choose products from companies that are transparent about their ingredients.

Step 2: Consume Beneficial Foods and Nutrients

• Choose antioxidant foods. Foods high in antioxidants include dark leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, berries (all types), and nuts. These can provide support for the oxidative stress caused by PFAS exposure.
• Increase cruciferous vegetables. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support liver detoxification and open elimination pathways.
• Consume foods containing omega-3 fats. These healthy fats found in salmon, walnuts, chia, hemp, and flaxseeds have anti-inflammatory properties that may help mitigate some of the immune and hormonal disruptions caused by PFAS.
• Focus on high-fiber foods. Fiber helps digestion and binds toxins in the gut, helping to eliminate them from the body. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils.
• Increase foods high in vitamin C. This essential vitamin, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, guava, and bell peppers, supports the immune system and helps with detoxification.

PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are man-made substances that pose significant health risks. While it’s challenging to avoid exposure completely, you can significantly lower your risk by understanding where to find these chemicals and taking proactive steps to reduce your exposure. Additionally, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods and nutrients into your diet can support your body’s ability to detoxify and protect itself from the harmful effects of PFAS. By making informed choices, you can help protect yourself from the potential dangers of these persistent chemicals.

Sanoviv Medical Institute offers a comprehensive detoxification program.

References

1. Environmental Working Group, PFAS Contamination in the U.S. (August 9, 2024); available online at https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination
2. Environmental Working Group, Pollution in Minority Newborns, 2009. Available online at ewg.org/research/pollution-minority-newborns
3. Boronow, K.E., Brody, J.G., Schaider, L.A. et al. Serum concentrations of PFASs and exposure-related behaviors in African American and non-Hispanic white women. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 29, 206–217 (2019). 
4. Vigil M, Berkson BM, Garcia AP. Adverse effects of high doses of intravenous Alpha Lipoic Acid on liver mitochondria. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 Jan;3(1):25-7.

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