The PFAS Scourge: What You Need to Know About the Toxins in Your Water
What’s the first thing people tell you when you say you’re tired, hungry, stressed, or looking to improve your life?
Drink more water.
It’s the catch cry of wellness gurus, influencers, and mothers worldwide. However, an influx of recent news stories has got people all over Australia eyeing their water bottles with distrust. First, we were hit with an incredible revelation from Sharon Lerner. The investigative journalist revealed in May 2024 that the general population has as much PFAS floating around in our blood as people who work in factories that process fluorochemicals. Of equal concern was her uncovering that executives at one major company using PFAS in many of its products knew about the dangers but covered it up.
While this unsettling news was still reverberating across the globe, Australians were hit with another bombshell. PFAS – also known as “forever chemicals” – has been found in alarming levels in our water supplies. As these stories continue to unfold, we're uncovering the devastating consequences of this widespread contamination.
The PFAS Scandal: It’s a Long Story
Though it’s only grabbed widespread public attention recently, this tale stretches back to the time of dial-up internet, Tamagotchis, and MMMBop: Aka, the late 1990s. A scientist named Kris Hansen discovered that PFOS (a type of PFAS) was present in almost every human blood sample she analysed. This wasn’t exactly surprising. After all, she was analysing blood from employees at a factory that produced PFOS-containing products. The shocking part arose from the blood samples she took from the general population. These were supposed to provide a baseline for comparison. Only they had shockingly high levels of PFOS, too.1
Despite the worrying implications of her findings, Hansen faced significant pushback from her supervisors, who questioned the accuracy of her tests. Undeterred, the scientist purchased new equipment, took new samples, and reran the tests. You can probably guess the results. What you won’t have guessed is that Hansen’s superiors never doubted her findings. In fact, they’d known about the presence of PFOS in human blood since the 1970s.
Unfortunately, the story only gets worse from here. Sharon Lerner’s investigation revealed internal documents showing that the company was aware of more than just the presence of PFOS in human blood. Animal studies had confirmed the toxicity of PFOS, but the company allegedly concealed these findings and continued using it in its products. This cover-up has had lasting consequences, contributing to the pervasive contamination of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment.2
The Australian Connection: PFAS in Water
Hot on the heels of this unsettling news, Australians were slapped with another shocker: PFAS has been detected in our water supply.3 This chapter of the story begins at Sydney’s water filtration plants, including those in Orchard Hills and Prospect. Tests at these facilities found detectable levels of PFAS in water that flows out to the taps of many people in the Sydney region.4 Understandably, this news sparked a maelstrom of controversy. Aussies everywhere are now questioning the safety of their drinking water.
Environmental groups and concerned citizens are pushing for quick action to address the contamination. The biggest roadblock? Australia’s acceptable standards are out of line with those of the rest of the world.
We’re going to break down three limits here to demonstrate (if the acronyms are confusing, you can read our easy guide to PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE here):
- Australia limits PFOA (a subtype of PFAS) to 560 nanograms per litre. We also limit PFOS and PFHxS (other PFAS subtypes) to 70n/gl.
- Canada limits all PFAS to 30 nanograms per litre.
- The USA limits PFOS and PFOA (two subtypes of PFAS) to 4 nanograms per litre.
Confusing acronyms aside, we can all agree that 560 is a far higher than 4. When the gap is that large, something most certainly has to give.
This story is still unfolding, and we certainly haven’t heard the last of PFAS in the news. But the big question on your mind right now is probably this: What can I do to protect myself and my family?
How to Avoid PFAS
It’s uncomfortable to know that there could be harmful chemicals in your drinking water and everyday products. But there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from Forever Chemicals
Audit Your Cupboards
The key selling points of PFAS chemicals are their ability to resist stains, repel water, and make surfaces non-stick. So, if you have any items labelled as stain-resistant, water-repellent, or non-stick, you’ll want to check whether they’re PFAS-free.
It’s also worth checking the labels of personal care products as, unfortunately, PFAS can sneak into these as well. Wherever possible, opt for products that are marked as PFAS-free. Even small changes like these can significantly reduce your overall exposure to “forever chemicals.”
Using PFAS-Free Cookware
One of the most effective ways to minimise your PFAS exposure is by switching to PFAS-free cookware. Many non-stick pans contain PFAS, which can leach into your food during cooking – not the best way to season a meal.
To protect yourself from the secret ingredient no one asked for, choose safe, non-toxic cookware made from ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron. These options are completely free fromour pernicious forever chemicals, eliminating your risk of PFAS contamination in the kitchen. You also won’t be sacrificing quality or performance. Indeed, you’ll be treating yourself to a significant upgrade. GreenPan’s non-stick ceramic cookware provides a superb cooking experience that is safe and non-toxic.
Water Filtration
Plenty of Australians are now moving to filtered water5. If you’re considering this step, look for filters designed to reduce PFAS levels, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems. These filters can effectively remove a significant portion of PFAS, providing safer, cleaner water.⁵ Just note that you’ll need to follow manufacturer guidelines and replace your filters on schedule to ensure optimal performance and continued protection.
Advocacy
Beyond personal actions, you can make a difference by supporting policies to combat PFAS contamination. Stay informed about local and national PFAS regulations; if you feel strongly about it, raise your voice. You’re within your rights to advocate for stricter standards and better enforcement. Joining or supporting environmental groups that work on PFAS issues can amplify your impact.
Learn More
Interested in diving deeper into the science behind PFAS? We have you covered. Check out the following articles to gain a deeper understanding of what PFAS is and how it can harm your health:
- Unravelling the Anagrams: The Truth About PFAS, PFOA, And PTFE
- All the Facts Lined Up: PFAS-Free Cooking
- The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Cookware
By auditing your cupboards, upgrading your cookware, and educating yourself about forever chemicals, you can protect your health and give yourself peace of mind about PFAS. If you’re so motivated, advocacy groups would love your support in pushing for a safer environment. Whatever you do, know that every small step in the right direction counts.
End Notes
1. Propublica | How 3M Executives Convinced a Scientist the Forever Chemicals She Found in Human Blood Were Safe https://www.propublica.org/article/3m-forever-chemicals-pfas-pfos-inside-story
2. Annals of Global Health | The Devil they Knew: Chemical Documents Analysis of Industry Influence on PFAS Science https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10237242/
3. The Guardian | Australia among hotspots for toxic ‘forever chemicals’, study of PFAS levels finds https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/09/australia-among-hotspots-for-toxic-forever-chemicals-study-of-pfas-levels-finds
4. The Sydney Morning Herald | ‘Forever chemicals’ across Sydney’s drinking water catchment https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/forever-chemicals-across-sydney-s-drinking-water-catchment-20240819-p5k3gi.html
5. The Conversation | Worried about PFAS in your drinking water? Here’s what the evidence says about home filters https://theconversation.com/worried-about-pfas-in-your-drinking-water-heres-what-the-evidence-says-about-home-filters-232830