PFAS Chemical abbreviations
First of all you must know, What are pfas chemicals ? There is a chemical called PFAS, which stands for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid. This chemical is a fluorocarbon that prevents water from forming ice in aircraft engines. It is also used to make Teflon and stain-resistant products like non-stick pans. Another popular name for this chemical is C8. PFAS has been linked to cancer, birth defects, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol levels, low birth weight, and a variety of other impacts on health.
What are the sources of PFAS?
PFAS is a family of man-made chemicals that have found their way into our food and water. They can also be found in some cosmetics, printers, and yes- even your car. PFAS can exist in both organic and inorganic forms. Some countries are banning organic PFAS from cosmetics because it is known to cause cancer and other health problems. Inorganic PFASs are unregulated so they can be found all over the place!
How is PFAS found in drinking water?
Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid are abbreviated PFOS and PFOA. They are a group of chemicals that are used in stain-resistant coatings, non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, textiles, food packaging, paper products, and other items. These chemicals have been found to be present in the drinking water of 23 states in the US. This is especially common near military bases and industrial sites where these chemicals were used or disposed of improperly. PFAS can also enter the body through food ingestion or absorption through skin contact.
Is PFAS harmful to human health?
PFAS is sometimes referred to as emerging contaminants. These chemicals are used in a variety of products such as stain-resistant fabrics, water-repellent coatings, and nonstick cookware. Unfortunately, this product is linked to health issues such as high cholesterol levels, increased risk of cancer, and birth defects. With studies, it is found out that these chemicals are hazardous to human health and should be discontinued.
Conclusion
PFAS are dangerous chemicals that can have serious impacts on human health and the environment. PFAS are found in almost everything, from drinking water to consumer products.
These chemicals can leach into food and cause health problems, such as liver damage and cancer. Many PFAS were found in drinking water locations, such as an EPA database that showed 70% of Americans’ tap water contained these chemicals. The concentration levels of PFAS ranged from 0.06 to 748 parts per trillion (ppt).