Forever chemicals, or per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), are artificial and manufactured chemicals that have been used in many products and workplaces for decades. When you are exposed to PFAS, those chemicals can remain in your body for the rest of your life, which can cause several adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancer. Which cancers are linked to PFAS exposure? Some include kidney and prostate cancer.
There are many different types of PFAS, each with its own uses and health consequences, and research is still being done. It’s important to understand the potential risk of PFAS exposure and where exposure comes from to limit risks and push for change that makes homes and workplaces safer.
Cancers Linked to PFAS
In 2023, there were an estimated 1.9 million new cases of cancer and over 600,000 deaths caused by cancer. Different studies and analyses have seen higher risks of certain types of cancers for those who have been exposed to PFAS. This includes:
- Prostate cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Digestive system cancers
- Endocrine system cancers
- Oral cavity or pharynx system cancers
- Respiratory system cancers
- Blood cancer
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Urinary system cancers
- Ovarian cancer
The research shows stronger connections between PFAS exposure and some types of cancer than others. For example, there is sufficient causal evidence connecting PFAS exposure to kidney cancer, while there is suggestive evidence for breast cancer and testicular cancer. Another study saw higher associations with testicular cancer when there was high-level PFAS exposure. Different PFAS may also be associated with different cancer risks.
Other Health Risks of PFAS
High exposure to PFAS also leads to other health concerns in addition to a higher risk of cancer. This includes:
- Lowered immune system ability to fight infection
- Reduced vaccine response
- Reproductive consequences
- Decreased fertility
- Increases in blood pressure for those who are pregnant
- Delays or other effects in the development of children, like accelerated puberty, bone variations, low birth weight, and behavioral effects
- Natural hormone interference
- Higher cholesterol
- Higher risk of obesity
These are the risks reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but these risks are related to high levels of exposure. There is still ongoing research into the health risks caused by low levels of PFAS exposure over a long period of time.
Where Does PFAS Exposure Come From?
PFAS are used in many products, buildings, and workplaces, and can contaminate soil, groundwater, drinking water, and food. There are many ways that PFAS exposure happens, including:
- Food and food packaging. Certain foods, like fish living in PFAS-contaminated water or livestock products exposed to PFAS, have PFAS in them. Food packaging like grease-resistant paper also contains PFAS.
- Military bases and airports. These locations often use aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) to put out specific fires, and are also used for training events. AFFFs have PFAS, and the runoff can contaminate groundwater.
- Water. PFAS can be found in public and private drinking water sources, especially in locations where there is runoff from manufacturing facilities, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, fertilizer, or firefighting foam.
- Disposal site soil. The soil and groundwater near waste sites and landfills and in the surrounding communities have high PFAS levels, often from the chemicals in disposed products.
- Household products and care products. Many consumer products have PFAS in them, like cleaning products, water- or stain-repellent, water-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, paints, sealants, shampoo, and cosmetics.
- Manufacturing facilities. Facilities for manufacturing, chemical production, and other industrial worksites may produce PFAS directly, or PFAS may be involved in manufacture. Employees can be exposed, and the PFAS can enter the surrounding environment.
Because of where PFAS exposure happens, certain communities and groups are at higher risk. This includes communities near contained groundwater sources, industrial worksites, pregnant women, and children.
When PFAS exposure occurs because of negligent chemical manufacturers, product manufacturers, property owners, and other parties, injured individuals can hold these companies liable. As research continues to be done into the increased cancer risks and other health consequences of PFAS, more people can take action to file for damages caused by exposure.
FAQs
What Products Are PFAS Found in?
PFAS are found in many products sold commercially throughout the nation, including nonstick pans and cookware, cleaning and waxing products, certain cosmetic products, athleisure wear and raincoats, other water-resistant fabrics, fast food packaging, microwave popcorn bags, paints, firefighting foam, drinking water, and freshwater fish.
PFAS are used in many products, and high levels are allowed in the U.S. Avoiding these products and using water filters can reduce your exposure to PFAS.
What Is the Biggest Source of PFAS Exposure?
There are several major sources of PFAS exposure in the U.S., including consumer and household products like cookware and cleaning products, and the soil, water, and air. PFAS in the environment is worsened in certain areas, like those near landfills where products can leak PFAS into the soil and groundwater, near military bases and airports where firefighting foams are frequently used, and near industrial manufacturing facilities that create or use PFAS.
What Happens if You Are Exposed to PFAS?
Exposure to PFAS to a certain level can lead to increased risk of cancer, developmental effects in children, reproductive risks, reduced immune system ability, hormone interference, and increased cholesterol. The effects of PFAS depend on the type of PFAS and the amount of exposure. There is still research being done into the effects of low-level exposure over a long period of time.
Do Ziploc Bags Contain PFAS?
One analysis conducted in 2024 showed that while PFAS were present in the majority of plastic sandwich baggies, the Ziploc brand bags that were tested did not have any markers of PFAS. Other types of plastic baggies had markers of PFAS, although all were under the high level that is legally allowed by the Food and Drug Administration.
Hire a PFAS Litigation Lawyer at Ron Austin Law
If you have been diagnosed with a health issue like cancer and believe you were exposed to PFAS, you should hire a PFAS litigation lawyer.For years, product and chemical manufacturers were aware that PFAS stayed in human bodies and the environment indefinitely, but continued making and using the chemicals. At Ron Austin Law, we want to hold these companies liable for their lack of care for employees, communities, and the environment. Get in contact with our firm today.
