Forever chemicals are in our drinking water

Forever chemicals – Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.

They're called this because they don't break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time

PFAS have been linked to a range of health issues including:

  1. Cancer – Studies show an association between exposure to certain PFAS eg PFOA and PFOS, and an increased risk of kidney, testicular and possibly other cancers

  2. Hormones – PFAS can interfere with hormonal systems, particularly thyroid and reproductive health

  3. Immunity – Exposure to PFAS can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections and respond to other threats

  4. Liver – PFAS cause liver toxicity in animal studies, and there's evidence suggesting liver effects in humans

  5. Developmental Issues – Prenatal exposure to PFAS has been associated with low birth weight, developmental delays, and other adverse effects on infants and children

  6. Metabolic Effects – PFAS exposure has been linked to higher cholesterol levels, altered metabolism, and increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

The Australian government has taken some steps to manage PFAS contamination, but is being criticised for its much more lenient standards compared to other countries.

For example, the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines set the maximum allowable concentration of PFOS at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) and PFOA at 560 ppt. In contrast, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set much stricter limits of just 4 ppt for both PFOS and PFOA.

Water filtration, especially for drinking water, has become increasingly important. It's another chemical challenge that can threaten our health

IMMUNITY, WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, HORMONESGutsy by NutritionPFASComment