PFAS, an acronym for per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, comprises a vast range of human-made compounds. They are extensively employed across industries and consumer goods owing to their remarkable resistance to heat, water, and oils.
These chemicals have infiltrated numerous products, from non-stick cookware to stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foam. Yet, their remarkable durability has inadvertently fueled a pervasive crisis characterized by their ubiquitous presence and resistance to breakdown in the environment.
This pervasive spread has resulted in alarming health risks and environmental hazards across the United States.
Discovery and Early Development of PFAS
Discovered by a DuPont researcher in the 1930s while seeking stable refrigerants, PFAS was used in the Manhattan Project. According to The New York Times Magazine, they were later valued for stabilizing explosives, creating protective coatings, and acting as lubricants in electronics.
Their unique properties, including durability under extreme conditions, led to their incorporation into waterproof and nonstick products. These chemicals play vital roles in sectors such as medical devices, telecommunications, aerospace, and renewable energy.
The enduring nature of PFAS arises from their molecular structure, which consists of a diverse range of carbon-fluorine bonded compounds. Some of these compounds exhibit exceedingly strong bonds, making it challenging to estimate their natural degradation period, leading to their characterization as “forever chemicals.”
The Prevalence of PFAS Contamination
One of the most concerning aspects of PFAS is their pervasive presence in the environment. These compounds have been detected in air, water, soil, wildlife, and human blood worldwide. The widespread use and persistence of PFAS have led to contamination in various water sources across the US.
Water Contamination
The escalation of the crisis drew considerable attention due to its impact on the nation’s drinking water sources. A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that about 45% of the nation’s tap water contains PFAS. These chemicals were detected in varying forms in the tested samples.
Kelly Smalling, the study’s lead author and a research hydrologist at USGS, emphasized that the research involved direct testing of water from kitchen taps nationwide. This investigation stands as the most comprehensive study to date on PFAS, encompassing both private wells and public supply tap water.
Utilizing a technique developed by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory, the study scrutinized 32 different PFAS compounds. Among these, PFBS, PFHxS, and PFOA emerged as the most frequently detected substances in the analysis.
Sources of this contamination include industrial discharges, runoff from firefighting foam, and improper disposal practices.
Health Impacts
Numerous studies have underscored the detrimental health implications associated with exposure to PFAS. These chemicals, known for their accumulation in the human body over time, have been significantly linked to increased risks of various cancers.
According to Medical News Today, researchers found a 56% rise in thyroid cancer risk from exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, a specific PFAS variant.
Moreover, PBS NewsHour reported a study that linked exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ to testicular cancer among military personnel. These individuals were mainly exposed to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam containing PFAS.
On top of that, firefighters, frequently exposed to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), confront a 9% higher risk of a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, they face a 14% higher risk of cancer-related mortality compared to the general population, according to research findings.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of PFAS contamination is substantial due to their persistence and resistance to degradation, leading to wildlife accumulation and posing threats to ecosystems.
Mongabay reports that researchers have documented severe adverse effects on wildlife caused by PFAS exposure. These effects include compromised immunity, liver damage, developmental issues, nervous system disruptions, and impacts on the endocrine system and gut microbiome. This contamination presents an added danger to already vulnerable global wildlife.
Technology Networks featured a study focused on sea turtles in the North Pacific. The study showed that sea turtles are vulnerable to PFAS effects from egg development to their immune systems.
Furthermore, an updated PFAS in wildlife map, drawing from 200 peer-reviewed studies, identified more than 120 distinct PFAS compounds. This highlights the extensive presence and impact of these chemicals across 625 animal species in diverse ecosystems.
Legal and Accountability Issues
Addressing the PFAS crisis poses a significant challenge in terms of legal accountability. Holding accountable those responsible for the contamination and establishing preventative regulations presents complexity due to the widespread use of PFAS and their enduring effects.
Reuters reported that in 2023, lawsuits against chemical companies for polluting U.S. drinking water with toxic PFAS led to settlements surpassing $11 billion. Experts foresee an increase in litigation and settlements in the upcoming year. This surge is expected due to new federal regulations and a growing awareness of the widespread PFAS contamination in the United States.
3M, Chemours, Corteva, and DuPont de Nemours have been confronted with numerous lawsuits alleging PFAS contamination. These legal actions are particularly associated with firefighting foams utilized at airports and firehouses across the country.
According to TruLaw, numerous cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in a South Carolina federal court. As of January 2024, there were 6,715 pending lawsuits concerning aqueous film-forming foam.
Legal professionals propose that AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts may vary significantly, with potential ranges spanning from $10,000 to upwards of $300,000. The final compensation depends on factors such as the strength of the claim, levels of exposure, and the resulting medical complications.
Regulatory Response and Challenges
The regulatory response to PFAS contamination in drinking water in the United States has taken a significant step forward, as reported by the BBC. The implementation of new federal limits targets ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS, intending to fill considerable gaps in current PFAS drinking water regulations. Presently, these regulations are in place in just 10 states across the country.
The national director of Safer States, Sarah Doll, emphasized that these restrictions have the potential to reduce health disparities in the US.
The new EPA limits offer hope for enhancing water quality. Communities reliant on lower-quality drinking water systems stand to benefit the most but might face substantial challenges in implementing these systems.
Additionally, Congress has directed the Department of Defense to stop using all PFAS-containing foams by October 2024. However, they are permitted to continue purchasing these foams until this October, showcasing the intricate process of phasing out these hazardous substances.
In summary, the PFAS crisis in the United States stands as a pressing environmental and public health concern. Urgent action and collaborative efforts across various domains are essential to address this formidable challenge.
Through enhanced regulations, innovative solutions, and community engagement, we have the potential to alleviate the impacts of PFAS contamination. These measures can ensure the protection of our water, health, and environment for future generations.
