Did you know PFAS?
On May 20, 2023, Canada’s Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published a Draft State of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and a Risk Management Scope for PFAS in the Canada Gazette. The Report assesses the potential impacts of PFAS substances on human health and the environment.
What Are PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. They were first used in the 1940’s and are now in hundreds of products including stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, and fire-fighting foams. PFAS in the environment can enter the food supply through plants and animals grown, raised, or processed in contaminated areas. It is also possible for very small amounts of PFAS to enter foods through food packaging, processing, and cookware.
Chemically, individual PFAS can be very different. However, all have a carbon-fluorine bond, which is very strong and therefore, they do not degrade easily.
The widespread use of PFAS and their persistence in the environment means that PFAS from past and current uses have resulted in increasing levels of contamination of the air, water, and soil.
Accumulation of certain PFAS has also been shown through blood tests to occur in humans and animals. While the science surrounding potential health effects of bioaccumulation is developing, exposure to some types of PFAS have been associated with serious health effects.
How Are People Exposed to PFAS?
Human exposure to PFAS is widespread but variable by geography and occupation. PFAS are used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries. Over time, PFAS may leak into the soil, water, and air.
People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. Because PFAS break down slowly, if at all, people and animals are repeatedly exposed to them, and blood levels of some PFAS can build up over time.
ECO BOOM sustainable series do not contain any PFAS, we stick to the front line of protecting the environment and human beings!
