Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, are synthetic chemicals resistant to water, stains, and heat, used extensively in consumer and industrial products since the 1940s, from non-stick cookware to water-repellent clothing and firefighting foams. The widespread presence of PFAS in the environment and human bodies has become a growing concern. This article explores how these chemicals enter and persist, whether they can be removed, and current approaches for managing their levels.
How PFAS Enter and Accumulate in the Body
Humans encounter PFAS through several routes. Contaminated drinking water is a significant source, especially near manufacturing sites or where firefighting foams were used. PFAS can also enter the body through food, such as fish from contaminated waters, or food packaged in grease-resistant materials like microwave popcorn bags.
Consumer products are another pathway, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, water-repellent clothing, and some cosmetics. Inhalation of contaminated dust or air, especially indoors, also contributes. Occupational exposure also occurs in industries manufacturing or utilizing PFAS. Once absorbed, PFAS accumulate in the body due to their slow excretion rates.
Why PFAS Persist in the Body
The persistence of PFAS in the body stems from their unique chemical structure, particularly the strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds are among the strongest in organic chemistry, rendering PFAS highly resistant to natural degradation processes, which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” This chemical stability means they do not break down easily in the environment or within biological systems.
Biological mechanisms further contribute to their long half-lives in humans. Unlike many other substances, PFAS are efficiently reabsorbed into the bloodstream by the kidneys rather than being readily filtered out and excreted. PFAS can also bind to proteins in the blood, which further impedes their elimination from the body.
Common PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS have reported biological half-lives of approximately 2-4 years and 3-7 years, respectively, meaning it takes several years for the body to eliminate half of the accumulated amount. This slow excretion leads to bioaccumulation over time with continued exposure.
Current Approaches to Reduce PFAS Levels
While natural excretion of PFAS is a slow process, research is underway to identify methods to reduce body burdens. No widely available, rapid medical treatment currently exists to quickly remove PFAS from the body. However, experimental medical interventions are being explored.
Plasmapheresis, a medical procedure that filters blood plasma, has shown some ability to remove PFAS from the bloodstream. This method is invasive, costly, and not a widespread solution for environmental exposure, typically reserved for research or individuals with extremely high exposures. Another area of research involves medications like cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant. Studies investigate whether such compounds can bind to PFAS in the digestive system, facilitating excretion; however, this approach remains experimental and is not standard treatment.
Lifestyle and dietary considerations offer supportive, indirect benefits. Healthy liver and kidney function, supported by a balanced diet and adequate hydration, are important for the body’s natural detoxification processes, even if slow for PFAS. While no specific diet can “detox” PFAS rapidly, consuming foods rich in antioxidants and fiber, such as berries and leafy greens, may support overall bodily functions. The most effective way to lower PFAS levels over time is to prevent further exposure.
Minimizing Future PFAS Exposure
The most effective strategy for reducing overall PFAS levels long-term is to minimize new exposure. Addressing potential sources in drinking water is a primary step; using certified water filters such as those with activated carbon or reverse osmosis can significantly reduce PFAS levels. Reverse osmosis systems are particularly effective, often removing 90-99% of many PFAS compounds.
Food choices also reduce exposure. Limit consumption of foods packaged in grease-resistant materials, like some fast-food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags. Being mindful of fish from known contaminated waters also reduces dietary intake.
For consumer products, opting for PFAS-free alternatives is a practical approach. This includes choosing non-stick cookware made from cast iron or stainless steel instead of those with PFAS coatings. Selecting water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and personal care products that explicitly state they are PFAS-free also helps. Regular dusting and vacuuming also reduce exposure, as PFAS accumulate in household dust. While complete avoidance is challenging due to their pervasive nature, proactively reducing exposure is the most practical way to lower body burden over time.