PERFLUOROALKYL
SUBSTANCES (PFAS)
These man-made chemicals have been
manufactured since the 1940's and can
repel both oil and water. They can
accumulate in humans for long periods
of time, leading to its toxic effects.
WHERE ARE PFAS FOUND?
PFAS can be found in food
packing, commercial household
products, workplace, drinking
water, and living organisms, like
fish.
EFFECTS OF PFAS:
PFAS is assciated with low
birth weights, effects on the
immune system, cancer, and
thyroid hormone disruption
KNOWN AS A..
IN CHILDREN
- PFAS decease immune
response to vaccines
- negative effect on
cognitive function
Forever Chemical
- PFAS don't break down and
build up in our bodies and the
environment
COMMON ITEMS THAT
CONTAIN PFAS
FOOD PACKAGING
FIRE FIGHTING FOAM
OUTDOOR GEAR
NONSTICK COOKWARE
COSMETICS
STAIN-RESISTANT FURNITURE
PAINTS
CLEANING SUPPLIES
HOW TO LIMIT CONTACT WITH PFAS:
Do your research! Try to avoid using makeup, cleaning
supplies, and other home goods that may contain
PFAS. Look online at your local municipal water site
and determine if there is exposure through the tap
water.
See back for sources
REFERENCES
1. Liew, Zeyan, Goudarzi, Houman, Oulhote, Youssef. 2018.
Developmental Exposures to Perfluoroalkyl Substances
(PFASs): An Update of Associated Health Outcomes. Curr
Environ Health Rep [Internet]. [cited 9 March 2021]; 5(1): 119. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6348874
/
2. Susmann, Herbert P. et al. 2019. Dietary Habits Related to
Food Packaging and Population Exposure to PFASs. Environ
Health Perspect [Internet]. [Cited 9 March 2021]; 127(10):
107003. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6867167
/
3. Cousins, Ian T et al. 2020. Strategies for grouping per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to protect human and
environmental health. Environ Sci Process Impacts
[Internet]. [Cited 9 March 2021]; 22(7): 1444-1460.
Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7585739
/
4. Rappazzo, Kristen M., Coffman, Evan, Hines, Erin P. 2017.
Exposure to Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances and Health
Outcomes in Children: A Systematic Review of the
Epidemiologic Literature. Int J Environ Res Public Health
[Internet]. [Cited 9 March 2021]; 14(7): 691. Available From:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551129
/
5. National Institute of Health. 2020. Perfluoroalkyl and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) [Internet]. [cited 2020
April 13]. Availible from
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/ind
ex.cfm
6.