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                                                                                                                                                                                                                       SUBSCRIBE                   PREVIOUS ISSUES​

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​​​​PFAS, the Forever Chemicals

​​Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS, are often referred to as “forever chemicals,” but why is this the case? What do they mean specifically for the environment and human health? In today’s article, we will explore the background and mounting developments around PFAS.

These chemicals were first produced in the 1940s and have been incredibly popular ever since, given their applications to various industries, such as the aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics and packaging industries.¹ PFAS are used to create stain-resistant carpeting, waterproof fabrics, non-stick cookware and even fire-fighting foam.²

Due to their chemical structure, they are resistant to most substances and maintain composition for a very long time, breaking down slowly, if at all.¹ Thus, the name “forever chemicals.” The longevity of PFAS makes it a threat to human health if it is released into the environment. PFAS have been found in the air, in drinking water (both public systems and private wells), in soil near waste sites and in food like livestock and fish.¹ The route of exposure that is of current greatest concern to the general public is through the consumption of drinking water contaminated with PFAS​. 

Given that over 9000 different types of PFAS chemicals exist and many of the health studies focus on a few specific PFAS, the impacts of PFAS on human health are hard to quantify. For example, various studies have explored perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), since these are two of the most produced PFAS.² Certain PFAS, especially at low levels, may not have any notable effect on the body.^3​ Others, especially at high levels, can result in negative health impacts, such as decreased fertility, increased cancer risk, weakened immune system, increased cholesterol levels, risk of obesity and various other health conditions.¹ The potential for some PFAS to bioaccumulate in humans means repeated exposure to low levels could also cause health issues. 

The EPA, NIEHS and several other agencies are working to obtain as much information as possible on PFAS to protect public health and increase our understanding of these chemicals. Thus far, they have conducted and funded several research ventures to discover the extent to which PFAS affects the human body and how to reduce its prevalence in the environment.² In March of 2023, the EPA released a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation​ (NPDWR) for PFOA, PFOS and four additional PFAS. If passed, the NPDWR would establish legally enforceable drinking water standards for these six PFAS. The EPA previously released health advisory levels​ in June of 2022 for PFOA, PFOS, Gen X chemicals (hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid and its ammonium salt) and PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its related compound potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate). These advisories establish safe conditions for drinking water for these PFAS.

The EPA has also published Minimum Reporting Levels​, which require large public water systems (10,000+ people) and small public water systems (3,300-10,000 people) to monitor for 29 PFAS and report any concentrations that exceed established levels. This monitoring will also provide extensive data on the occurrence of PFAS in drinking water throughout the country.⁴

One of the biggest, current research questions is how to remove PFAS from drinking water sources. Multiple filtration methods have been identified to reduce PFAS content in drinking water, including activated carbon treatment, ion exchange treatment and high-pressure membranes.⁵

PFAS continues to attract attention as time goes on, and with such a widespread research effort and burgeoning data each month, mitigation strategies and​ solutions seem increasingly feasible. We will likely provide additional updates on PFAS in future newsletter issues. Additionally, you can inform yourself on this topic with new content such as releases from the EPA.

​Spotlight                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

NIH Winners from the 2023 HHS Kids’ Earth Day Poster Contest ​​The winners for each age group have been selected from the NIH submissions for the 2023 HHS Kids’ Earth Day Poster Contest! Read the full article to view the winning posters and learn a bit about the winners. LEA​RN MORE​​​​

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Bike to Work on May 19th!​ ​ ​Join the NIH in the D.C. area for Bike to Work Day on May 19, 2023! The NIH will host a pit stop at Building 1 from 7:00am to 9:30am to support anyone biking to the Bethesda campus and there are over 100 additional pit stops in the D.C. area. LEARN MORE​

NEMS Training                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Did you know? PFAS have been detected at varying concentrations in both public and private water sources. The EPA has published and continues to produce guidance and regulations to help identify drinking water that is safe from PFAS. To learn more about water conservation​ at the NIH, please visit the NEMS Training webpage to view a short (20 minute) NIH environmental awareness training video.