PFAS (PFOA / PFOS / GenX)
Toxins · Forever chemicals
High priority
What this is
EPA April 2024 finalized enforceable PFAS MCLs for the first time — landmark. 3M ordered to pay $10.3 billion settlement 2023. DuPont 'Dark Waters' history (Rob Bilott). Detectable in essentially all Americans. Blood levels have decreased since PFOA phase-out but replacement chemistries (GenX, ADONA) may have similar issues.
Mechanism
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; strong C-F bond makes them environmentally persistent and bioaccumulative; legacy use in Teflon non-stick, Scotchgard, firefighting foam, food packaging, waterproof clothing; contaminate drinking water near manufacturing/military sites
Dose & route
Drinking water filter (reverse osmosis; some activated carbon); avoid grease-resistant food packaging; stainless/cast iron cookware
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38506720/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31526571/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10516094/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.