WHAT IS PFAS?
Products that resist heat, stains, oil, and water were designed to be durable; they do not break down in the environment or in our bodies. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are “forever chemicals” due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Used products or spilled chemicals found in lakes or rivers travel great distances and contaminate well water.
Persons with high exposure levels of PFAS are found working in Chemical manufacturing and processing, Automotive industry, Food packaging, Construction, Ski wax technicians, Cleaning industry, Cosmetics, and Fire Fighters using retardant foam. PFAS can also be found in soil, air, drinking water, and ground water. Exposure to PFAS linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, elevated cholesterol, respiratory disease and decreased fertility.
Products that contain "forever chemicals" include non-stick cookware, clothes, shoes, paper and cardboard food packaging, pizza boxes, popcorn bags, wrappers, and grease-resistant paper. As well as waterproof chemicals on clothing or shoes; stainproof chemicals on furniture and carpet; personal products such as shampoo, dental floss, eye makeup, nail polish, sunscreen; and auto parts, paints, sealants, varnishes, and cleaning products.
PFAS water testing has been the main method of testing available to consumers, but now you can test for PFAS chemicals in your blood. Order an At-Home Self-Collection PFAS Blood Test through EmpowerDX
Food, packaging & dairy
Did you know there is PFAS in your meat, fish, vegetables, or grains, and drinking water? Eurofins environmental lab has experience with PFAS testing on: milk, eggs, chicken, fish, vegetables, and ongoing studies. For the majority of people in the US, it is not work environment exposure that contributes to the PFAS in our bodies, but rather the food and water we consume.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Microplastics too are found in oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe. They are ingested by marine animals making their way into the food chain. Studies have shown that humans consume microplastics in seafood, bottled water, and air.
PFAS exposure self-collection
Knowing the PFAS levels in your blood can help you better understand how your environment has affected you. There is currently no clinical diagnosis or treatment specific to elevated PFAS levels. There is however, information about how to reduce your exposure. Collection Kits include all the essentials for collection, transport, and storage, allowing participants to self-collect samples at home or work, and submit directly to the laboratory. Samples are collected via a finger prick requiring minimal sample volumes. These kits include lancets and instructions for pediatric and adult use to determine 16 legacy compounds. Watch video >
PFAS blood serum draw
Biomonitoring for PFAS in humans has been conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on serum for many years. Serum is generated from blood that has been allowed to clot and then centrifuged to separate the individual components. This technique requires a blood draw from a phlebotomist or healthcare provider. Once you have procured the sample you may have it shipped to Eurofins Sacramento, CA laboratory for analysis. Although the CDC only reports 16 PFAS compounds as part of the NHANES study, Eurofins offers a suite of 45 PFAS compounds. Talk to your doctor today!
"Forever chemicals" exposure
According to the CDC, research suggests high levels of PFAS may lead to increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, increased risk of some cancers (kidney and liver), decrease in immune response and vaccine response in children, high blood pressure in pregnant women, pre-eclampsia (pregnancy complication with high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in urine), and small decreases in infant birth weights. The empowerDX PFAS Exposure Blood Test is the preferred at-home test by the American Pregnancy Association (APA). Note - Accurate Mold inspectors are not qualified to make health claims or recommendations.
WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS?
Small plastic particles, less than 5mm, threaten our ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Microplastics are small plastic fragments that are manmade such as microbeads found in face scrubs, toothpaste, and cleansers. The larger plastic items, such as water bottles, plastic bags, and fishing net, degrade into smaller pieces over time.
Personal care products and synthetic fabrics release microplastic fibers during washing. These fibers are too small to be captured by wastewater treatment systems. They accumulate in oceans, rivers, and soils. Land animals and marine life often mistake microplastics for food. Pesticides and heavy metals attach to the surface of microplastics, making them more dangerous when ingested by animals, and thereto the humans who eat meat.
Because these tiny plastic particles have been found in the air, water, and food consumed they have been found in human blood and tissue, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. When microplastics contain chemicals it can disrupt hormones and contribute to cancer. Note - Accurate Mold inspectors are not qualified to make health claims or recommendations.
Steps to Reduce Plastic
- Cut down on single-use plastics, such as bags, straws, and bottles.
- Read product ingredients carefully, and try to avoid microbeads.
- Recycle and properly dispose plastic waste.
- Install microfiber filters in wash machines to capture synthetic fibers.
Taking action now can help prevent further contamination of the environment and protect future generations from the growing threat.
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