PFAS are everywhere, from food to drinking water. Discover effective ways to limit exposure and protect your health from these harmful substances.
23.02.2025 | Fundamental right
Eliminating PFAS seems like an impossible task. These chemicals are now everywhere: in everyday products, food, water, air and even in the soil. No one can escape them. However, this does not mean that nothing can be done to minimize exposure. Every conscious choice has an impact on health, both for yourself and for future generations.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that repel water, grease and dirt. They can be found in non-stick coatings of pans, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, baking paper and even in medical applications such as stents. Although they are functional, they pose a serious environmental problem. They hardly break down and accumulate in the environment, in animals and eventually in our bodies. Even polar bears in the North Pole, far from any factory, appear to be contaminated with PFAS. This illustrates how widespread these substances are.
In Europe, work is underway to implement a broad PFAS ban, which offers hope. In the meantime, all PFAS have been included on the list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)), forcing companies to reduce their emissions and find alternatives. Governments and citizens are fighting the chemical industry, but the reality remains that PFAS are already ubiquitous. Where cleaning up is not possible, we must learn to deal with the risks. Moreover, these chemicals are still present in products we use every day.
PFAS enter the environment and our bodies in two ways. On the one hand, this occurs through industrial emissions from factories such as Chemours in Dordrecht, whereby these substances end up in the air, water and soil. The highest concentrations are in the immediate vicinity, but dispersion via air and water flows ensures that PFAS also end up elsewhere. On the other hand, they are released via consumer products. When these products are thrown away and burned, the PFAS structure is only partially broken down. The impact of these so-called short-chain forms of PFAS has not yet been sufficiently investigated, although their harmfulness appears to be less than that of the long-chain forms.
Despite the unavoidable presence of PFAS, there are ways to limit exposure and reduce demand for these harmful substances. Conscious consumption plays a crucial role. Choosing PFAS-free products ultimately reduces production and helps tackle pollution at the source. Exposure through consumer products is generally limited as long as they are used correctly. For products such as non-stick pans and rain gear, it is important to avoid damaging them so that PFAS are not released. Other products, such as paint, fire-fighting foam and ski wax, contain PFAS that are more likely to be released into the environment. Preferably use these outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Food is an important source of PFAS intake. On average, the Dutch ingest three times more PFAS through food than through drinking water. Fish and fish products in particular contain high concentrations, while vegetables and fruit generally contain less PFAS. The exact amount depends on the origin of the food, as soil and water contamination cause large variations. A varied diet helps to spread the exposure and reduce the risks.
Waste management plays a key role in limiting the spread of PFAS. By disposing of PFAS-containing products correctly, such as taking old pans to the recycling center and sorting plastic correctly, the environmental impact remains limited. Regular vacuuming helps to remove PFAS from the home, as these substances accumulate in dust particles. Weekly cleaning significantly reduces indoor exposure.
For consumers who want to check which products contain PFAS, the website offers Whereiswhatin.nl valuable information. Manufacturers are also required to provide information on the presence of these substances in their products within 45 days. Anyone who doubts the safety of tap water can rest assured. Dutch drinking water meets European standards and remains essential for a healthy lifestyle. Bottled water may be an alternative, but there is still insufficient scientific research on this. In addition, the transport and packaging of bottled water causes additional environmental impact.
Breastfeeding remains an important topic in the discussion about PFAS. Although these substances are passed on to babies through breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the benefits. It offers protection against infections and diseases such as diabetes and reduces the risk of allergies. The same recommendations apply to parents who want to protect their children from PFAS: conscious consumption, varied diet, correct waste disposal and regular cleaning in the home. Additional guidelines for vegetable gardens, Swimming areas and chicken eggs are available to residents in heavily polluted areas, such as around the Chemours factory in Dordrecht.
The fight against PFAS requires collective action and awareness. Although it will take time to completely eliminate these chemicals, every consumer can contribute by making smart choices. Consciously dealing with products, food and waste ensures that exposure to PFAS remains limited. With the right measures, the impact on health and the environment remains manageable, while legislation and innovation hopefully lead to a sustainable solution for this global problem.
Source:
https://www.ad.nl/dordrecht/hoe-kan-ik-blootstelling-aan-pfas-verminderen~a3e0578c
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