A report highlights the challenges in identifying and limiting exposure to PFAS, the ubiquitous and harmful chemicals found in many consumer products.
Marina Schauffler writes in the Maine Morning Star.
In short:
- PFAS, often undetectable in products, pose significant health risks, requiring more transparency in their reporting.
- Efforts to reduce PFAS exposure are hindered by a lack of comprehensive data on their presence in water, food, and consumer goods.
- States like Maine and Minnesota are leading efforts to phase out PFAS, demanding greater product transparency.
Key quote:
“Reducing intake of PFAS should reduce exposure, but people may not necessarily know whether their foods, beverages, or products contain PFAS.”
— National Academy committee report
Why this matters:
Understanding and mitigating the health impacts of PFAS is important, as these chemicals are pervasive in everyday products. This issue underscores the need for more stringent regulations and public awareness to protect health and the environment.
Everything you need to know about “forever chemicals” and how to avoid them.
