You’ve probably heard of PFAS contamination claims in the news, books, or even at a health care center. Discussing these chemicals has been common in the past few years, with many people expressing concerns about their safety.
To start with, PFAS are a group of chemicals that can harm our bodies. These chemicals can be found in grease, stains, and even water, among other things we use daily. They do not easily break down; hence, they are known as ‘forever chemicals.’ Continuous exposure to these chemicals can cause harm to our health, and that’s why they have been banned.
Due to the potential risks of PFAS, many countries have banned their usage. In the USA, they heavily regulate them. However, some companies still use them to make cookware, clothes, and other household items. This guide looks at the common myths to keep you informed. Check them out.
1. It is Safe to Buy PFAS Products
A common misconception about PFAS is that it is safe for our health since the products are on the market. Well, you can buy the items today unknowingly; they include cleaners, fabrics, kitchenware, tents, and jackets. We use them daily and do not quickly realize the negative side of the chemicals used in making them. However, the truth is that PFAS is not safe for human health. Prolonged exposure may result in health risks, including cancer. As such, it is not good to assume that the chemicals are secure simply because there are products made with them.
Instead, you should avoid products made with PFAS. You should also not use water that’s not tested, as these chemicals can be found in the water we drink or use. If you suspect your illness could be caused by using contaminated water, filing a PFAS water contamination lawsuit is the right thing to do. No local water supplier or manufacturer should knowingly contaminate public water systems. So, don’t suffer in silence.
2. PFAS can Help with Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues affecting humans today. It has brought disrupting weather changes, which have affected our climate, resulting in hunger and high food prices. However, there is a common belief that PFAS can help with climate change. This claim exists because some companies use PFAS to make solar panels. Others use the chemicals to make batteries for electric vehicles.
While solar energy and electric cars can reduce pollution, the dangers of the substances outweigh the benefits. Usually, the PFAS chemicals have a strong bond that doesn’t break easily. The bond makes it hard for them to decay as well. When used in making solar or batteries, the exposure of the chemicals to humans poses health risks. As such, it’s wrong to believe that PFAS helps with climate change. To reduce the effects of climate change, people should adopt safe practices, such as using renewable energy, eating well, and embracing public means of transport.
3. There Are Bad and Safe PFAS
Another myth about PFAS is that there are safe and harmful ones. This is not true. PFAS is a group of more than 15000 chemicals. These chemicals are joined together by strong bonds which do not easily break. Therefore, there is no safe or harmful PFAS. They remain the same because of their strong bond. Assuming that the wrong PFAS has been banned and the ones in the market are safe would be wrong.
The chemical is still the same; you should avoid it if possible. When buying your products, check the list of chemicals or ingredients used to be sure there are no PFAS. Doing so reduces the potential harm to your health or even the environment.
4. Exposure to Small Amounts of PFAS is Safe
Another common myth about PFAS is that a small amount of exposure is not hazardous. Well, at first glance, you may not notice any side effects after coming into contact with water or a product made with PFAS. This is mainly because the toxic chemicals remain in your body. At times, the effects can take months or even years to show. Therefore, it’s wrong to assume a small exposure is safe. It can build up with time and probably bring unwanted effects. No amount of this chemical is safe. Ensure your water is chemical-free, and avoid products made with it.
5. There’s no way to stop PFAS Exposure
Many companies have been using PFAS since the 1950s, so one can easily assume that we can t stop its exposure. However, this is noquickly. We can easily stop its exposure when we are well informed about the chemicals and their impacts on our bodies and environment. We should also be keen on what we take in and buy. This way, we can reduce or even stop its exposure.
Conclusion
PFAS are artificial chemicals, and many people are still unaware of them. They make many products we use daily; hence, it can be hard to suspect their potential effects. They are not safe for humans, mainly after prolonged exposure. As such, having extended contact with them is not advisable. In our guide, we debunked the most common myths about them. Hopefully, you are now aware and will make informed decisions, including filing a lawsuit when someone risks you with the chemicals.