The Dangers of PFAs (Forever Chemicals) and How to Reduce Your Risks
PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industries since the 1950s. They are commonly found in products that resist heat, oil, stains, water, and grease. However, these chemicals are now known to pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of PFAs, or “forever chemicals” as they are called, their prevalence in cosmetics, and how Good Harvest Market's strict criteria have helped reduce the risk of buying products with PFAs.
The Dangers of PFAs for Humans
PFAs are a persistent and bioaccumulative group of chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment. Once PFAs enter the body, they can accumulate in tissues and organs and stay there for a long time. Studies have linked PFAs to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, thyroid disease, immune system dysfunction, and liver damage.
The most common ways that people are exposed to PFAs are through contaminated water and food, and through the use of consumer products such as cookware, clothing, and cosmetics. Some studies have also shown that exposure to PFAs can occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which may have long-term effects on the health of the developing fetus and infant.
What are some common product brands which have PFAs in them?
There are many products and brands that contain PFAs, and unfortunately, it can be challenging to know for sure which products contain them. Here are a few examples of common product brands that have been found to contain PFAs:
- Teflon - Teflon is a brand name for a type of non-stick coating used on cookware, bakeware, and other kitchen utensils. Teflon is made with a type of PFAs called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been linked to health problems.
- Gore-Tex - Gore-Tex is a popular brand of waterproof and breathable fabric that is commonly used in outdoor clothing and gear. Gore-Tex contains PFAs that are used to make the fabric water-resistant.
- Scotchgard - Scotchgard is a brand of fabric protector that is used to repel water, stains, and oil from carpets, furniture, and clothing. Scotchgard contains PFAs that are used to make the product water-resistant.
- Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is a well-known brand of consumer products, including baby powder, shampoo, and sunscreen. In recent years, Johnson & Johnson has faced lawsuits related to the presence of PFAs in their products.
It's important to note that not all products from these brands contain PFAs, and there may be other brands that contain PFAs that are not listed here. The best way to reduce your exposure to PFAs is to do your research, read product labels, and choose products that are certified to be free of harmful chemicals.
The Prevalence of PFAs in Cosmetics
Cosmetics are products that are applied to the skin, hair, and nails to enhance or maintain their appearance. However, many cosmetics contain PFAs, which can be absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the body over time. PFAs are used in cosmetics as emulsifiers, surfactants, and water-resistant agents. They are found in products such as foundations, concealers, eye shadows, lipsticks, and sunscreens.
Studies have found that many popular cosmetic brands contain PFAs, and some of them have even been found to have higher levels of PFAs than what is considered safe. This means that people who use these products regularly may be at risk of exposure to high levels of PFAs, which could have adverse health effects.
Here are a few examples of cosmetic brands that have been found to contain PFAs:
- Maybelline - Maybelline is a popular cosmetic brand that offers a wide range of products, including foundation, concealer, and lipstick. Some of Maybelline's products have been found to contain PFAs.
- L'Oreal - L'Oreal is a well-known brand that produces a variety of cosmetic products, including makeup, skincare, and hair care. Some of L'Oreal's products have been found to contain PFAs.
- Estée Lauder - Estée Lauder is a luxury cosmetic brand that offers a range of products, including foundation, concealer, and lipstick. Some of Estée Lauder's products have been found to contain PFAs.
- Neutrogena - Neutrogena is a popular brand of skincare products that offers a range of products, including sunscreen and face wash. Some of Neutrogena's products have been found to contain PFAs.
Again, it's important to note that not all products from these brands contain PFAs, and there may be other cosmetic brands that contain PFAs that are not listed here. It's best to do your research, read product labels, and choose products that are certified to be free of harmful chemicals.
How can someone know if the product they purchased contains PFAs?
Unfortunately, PFAs are not always listed on product labels, and manufacturers are not required to disclose their use in products. However, there are a few things that you can do to minimize your exposure to PFAs:
- Research the product and its ingredients. Before purchasing a product, do some research to see if it contains any known sources of PFAs. Look for any red flags such as "water-resistant," "stain-resistant," "non-stick," or "easy to clean," as these are commonly associated with PFAs.
- Check for third-party certifications. Look for products that have been certified by third-party organizations as being free of PFAs. For example, the EWG (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep database lists cosmetics that have been tested for PFAs and other harmful chemicals.
- Choose natural and organic products. Products that are made with natural and organic ingredients are less likely to contain PFAs. Look for products that are labeled "PFAS-free" or "free of harmful chemicals."
- Shop at stores with strict product selection criteria. Stores like Good Harvest Market that have strict criteria for selecting products to sell in their store are less likely to sell products that contain PFAs.
What about PFAs in Good Harvest Market products?
Good Harvest Market is a health food store that is committed to providing high-quality natural products that are safe and healthy for their customers. They have strict criteria for selecting products to sell in their store, carefully evaluating each product they sell. Here’s a comment from Emma, Wellness Department Manager:
As manager it is my job to verify that all of the products we sell are free from PFAS, and that starts with training my employees how to thoroughly comprehend a nutrition label, and ends with holding our gold star brands accountable for every ingredient they list. All of our body care products are free from polytetrafluoroethylene, perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane, perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorodecalin, and perfluorohexane, all of which can potentially harming the liver, thyroid, and reproductive organs. These chemical compounds don’t naturally degrade, which means they also end up contaminating groundwater for decades after their release into the environment.
In conclusion, PFAs are a group of chemicals that pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. They are prevalent in many consumer products, including cosmetics, and it can be challenging to know for sure if a product contains PFAs. Good Harvest Market has taken a proactive approach to reducing the risk of exposure to PFAs by implementing strict criteria for selecting products to sell in their store. By choosing to buy products from Good Harvest Market, customers can be confident that they are making a safe and healthy choice for themselves and the environment.
For those of you who don’t live near Good Harvest, by doing your research, checking for third-party certifications, choosing natural and organic products, and shopping at stores with strict selection criteria, you can reduce your exposure to PFAs and make safer choices for yourself and the environment.