When added to products, PFAS makes the products:- resistant to heat or chemical breakdown e.g. frying pans; water, dirt & grease resistant e.g. clothing, carpets, and PFAS helps to reduce friction in processing products, improving the glide of moving parts e.g. sealants, lubricants.

However they don't break down after use, persisting in nature, becoming part of water, soil, air, dust and food for animals and humans.

Alison Connolly, Associate Professor is currently conducting a Human Biomonitoring Study out of UCD on a small population in Ireland. Study results will reveal if Ireland has similar exposure to Europe.

PFAS - a  hazard to health

PFAS properties make them hazardous to human health. They do not breakdown after use, persisting in nature, hence their name ‘Forever Chemicals’.

PFAS have the potential to build up in water, soil, crops grown in contaminated soil and to become airborne in household dust and industry emissions. Some PFAS can build up in people and animals when they are repeatedly exposed to PFAS over time.

PFAS are transferred in the womb from mother to child and unless exposure decreases with age, the PFAS body burden increases due to bioaccumulation.

 

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Source of Exposure at Work

Communities living near facilities that have manufactured, used or handled PFAS;

  • Industrial Discharge & Fire Fighting Foam
  • Chemical factories
  • Airports
  • Fire-Fighting training grounds
  • Military Bases
  • Wastewater Treatment Plants
  • Landfill
  • Incinerators

Farms - contaminated sewage sludge/biosolids 

Industries: Construction, Aviation, Automotive, Chemical, Ski Waxes, Pesticides, Semi-Conductor, Paper & Packaging, Textile Mills, Leather Tanning & Finishing, Electronic, Metal Finishing, Car Washes, Mining.

Source of Exposure at Home

  • Household Dust
  • non-stick cookware
  • stain resistant carpets & upholstery
  • water resistant clothing & footwear
  • cleaning products 
  • personal care products & cosmetics
  • paints, varnishes, sealants, switches, vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, keyboards, screens, printers, and TVs
  • take-away coffee cups, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes

Image source: Lon Tweeten for TIME; Getty Image

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Why Test Now?

You may be unaware of your exposure to PFAS chemicals. PFAS bioaccumulate over the years but if the exposure source is identified and eliminated, levels decline.

NHANES have been conducting bi-annual testing for PFAS in blood since 1999 in the USA and reported results show that PFAS levels decline overtime, once exposure is eliminated. Testing is vital.

Avoidance is the best and ONLY strategy.



Find a local laboratory 

Reasons for Industry to PFAS Test

Compliance

Monitor Regulatory Framework.

Source & demand PFAS replacement products.

Reputation

Protect Employees & Shareholders.  

Help to educate employees on PFAS & avoidance.

Due Diligence

Baseline testing at commencement of employment. 

PFAS is an uninsurable liability

Protect

Test the workplace environment.

Offer voluntary, confidential blood testing.

If present in blood, find the root-cause. Ensure PPE protocols are working.

 

PFAS Protection Strategies

To protect yourself, your family and employees, following are some helpful tips to consider -

Water & Air Filtration

  • Reverse Osmosis removes 98% PFAS
  • Ventilate the house well – open windows

Cleaning

  • Vacuum and dust often- sealed, hepa filter
  • Cleaning products- email the company & ask if PFAS is used

Purchases

  • Check labels & ask companies if they use PFAS
  • Ask for PFAS-free products in shops
  • Engage with local authorities
  • Avoid stain and water resistant coatings

Food

  • Avoid Fast Food wrappings 
  • Use glass, ceramic instead of plastic
  • Use cast-iron, stainless steel pots & pans – if scratched, stop using
  • Limit fish if local seawaters contaminated

Find a local laboratory

Eurofins Biomnis Ireland Limited

Three Rock Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin,D18 A4C0, Ireland