THE NEW YORK TIMES – “Forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS, are everywhere.
They’re in our water, our soil and in everyday items like cookware, mascara or waterproof clothing.
And there’s mounting evidence that this family of thousands of synthetic chemicals can increase the risk of some types of cancer, developmental and fertility issues, and other health problems. So it makes sense to limit our exposure to them.
That’s easier said than done.
Public health experts say that it’s ultimately the responsibility of policymakers to adopt tougher rules against the harmful chemicals, and for companies to stop using them.
But in the meantime, how can you avoid PFAS, without turning your life upside down?
Investigate your local water and food supply
Ask your water utility whether it meets, or has a plan to meet, recently adopted federal drinking-water standards for certain kinds of PFAS. Those standards limit contamination of drinking water to no more than 4 parts per trillion.
Most water suppliers issue an annual report on drinking water quality. “Knowing your drinking water source is the most important,” said Lauren Zajac, a pediatrician and associate professor in environmental medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
If there’s cause for concern, consider investing in a water filtration system. Researchers have found that reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter systems are the most effective in removing PFAS from drinking water.
Bottled water isn’t necessarily a safer alternative, as it has also been found to contain PFAS.
