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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in commercial and industrial applications. These chemicals are highly resistant to degradation and once released into the environment they can be mobile in water, soil, and groundwater. This may lead to exposure through drinking water, food, or dust. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS may harm human health.

PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in industrial, commercial, and consumer products since the 1940s. They have been used to make nonstick cookware; water-repellent clothing; stain-resistant fabrics and carpets; some cosmetics; some dental floss; some firefighting foams; toilet paper; paper and bamboo straws; some grease-resistant paper; fast food containers/wrappers; microwave popcorn bags; pizza boxes; and candy wrappers; and products that resist grease, water, and oil.

There are suspected to be in excess of 15,000 PFAS compounds in existence. Currently, only six are regulated (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and HFPO-DA a.k.a. GenX chemicals). Scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposure to PFAS. Some studies have shown that PFAS exposure may impact many different body systems. New kinds of PFAS are being developed. Some of these may have properties similar to the existing PFAS, and some may be less persistent in the environment.

There are very few scientific studies on new PFAS, so more research is necessary to discover whether they may be a health concern.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a federal public health agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services, has identified the following health effects as potential outcomes from exposure to PFAS:

• Changes in cholesterol and liver enzyme levels.
• Small changes in infant birth weight.
• Changes in the immune system and response to certain vaccines.
• Increased risk of preeclampsia or high blood pressure in pregnant women.
• Increased risk of certain cancers (i.e., kidney and testicular).

We offer an NSF/ANSI-tested products from Brita Pro for both PFAS and pharmaceuticals.

For details and pricing give us a call at (720) 790-6033!