What are PFAS?

According to the EPA, Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s, due to their water- and oil-repellent properties. Found in a variety of household materials, including items such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and hygiene products, we interact with PFAS on a daily basis, allowing the chemicals to be absorbed into our bloodstream through ingestion through the mouth and nose. A common misconception is that PFAS are a type of microplastic, and while the two occasionally overlap, the two are not the same. However, while PFAS are much less widely known, their widespread use has led to their accumulation in the environment. They have been found in human bodies, obtaining the name “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation. Recent studies have shown that most people in the U.S. have PFAS in their bloodstream, raising the concern of many professionals in the scientific research community. While there is not enough research to determine the level of them you must absorb to cause health problems, PFAS have already been linked to development issues, liver and kidney damage, immune system suppression, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are a lot more infamous, as public awareness about them has increased in recent years. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They can originate from synthetic fibers from clothing, the breakdown of larger plastic waste, or microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products. They are most commonly known to be found in the ocean or other sources of water, but because of their small size, they are also found in soil and even animal and human body systems. Microplastics in the human body can potentially lead to serious health issues, including various cancers, respiratory disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.