It seemed almost hyperbole that some outdoor hobbies that we associate with health and wellness are actually contributing to pollution and high cholesterol. How is it that nature loving environmentalists could unknowingly be polluting their environment and damaging their own health?
PFAS or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - a persistent, bioaccumulative toxin- is in many of the products that an outdoor enthusiast might be exposed to on a regular basis. From the water-proof layer on your jacket, your bike lube, your lightweight plastic water bottle, maybe even your wetsuit; they all contain what is now referred to as a "forever chemical" because it does not break down in the environment or in our bodies. One bike lube company, made a commitment to eliminating PFAS.
Image Credit: City of Riverside, California
Patagonia is working on converting all their product coatings to non fluorinated ingredients by 2024. They're almost there at 66% currently. Beyond these outdoor uses, PFAS can also be found in compostable to-go foodware, stain resistant furniture coatings, fire fighting products, refrigerants, non stick cookware and building materials. It's even in lotions and makeup and it's basically ubiquitous. It's in our water, our soil, and sometimes our food, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Aside from being something to look out for in purchasing materials (see the Responsible Purchasing Network guide to avoid PFAS), it's also something to consider when noticing alarming blood test results. I was recently diagnosed with very high cholesterol. I thought it was a function of a nightly glass of wine (or two) but when cutting out wine didn't help and a teetotaler super-healthy friend was diagnosed with severely high cholesterol, I began thinking something else was at play. A non scientific and statistically insignificant survey of friends my age found that we all had high cholesterol. Our generation was raised on Teflon™ and Gor -tex®, brand names known to contain PFAS. Our fridges were off-gassing PFAS and our fire-safe pajamas were coated in it. Both of my pregnancies were plagued with high blood pressure for up to a year postpartum; so much so that I had a hard time getting life insurance after my kids were born. High blood pressure during pregnancy is another adverse side effect of PFAS. These two things could happen to anyone, could be genetic even. It amazes me; however, that people who eat healthy and are active would be experiencing these adverse health effects. The non scientific survey I conducted did not include smokers or heavy drinkers. Was it caused by PFAS? Is it simply genetic? Are we not as healthy as we thought? Are we just getting old? There is no easy way to test for PFAS in blood and to know whether it was the cause.
Even though the link is uncertain for me and for my friends, epidemiological and statistically significant studies strongly link PFAS to several ill health effects.
Graphic credit: Responsible Purchasing Network
How can we prevent this for our kids, our younger friends and colleagues, and the generations that follow. We have a powerful collective purchasing power that can drive the elimination of forever chemicals. Next time you need a raincoat, pick one that is PFAS free. The European Reach standards have meant that clothing developed and sold in Europe is well ahead of the US in terms of eliminating toxic substances. The now popular FjallRaven brand produces waterproof coatings from paraffin and beeswax. Purchase cookware that is PFAS free. Select furniture that is Greenguard or Oeko Tex Standard 100 certified; although recent testing still demonstrates that these certifications are no match for PFAS simply because of the sheer volume of classes of the forever chemical. The Sabai.design couches are beautiful and sustainable. Skip the to-go foodware or bring your own container. Support new and upcoming legislation that aims to eliminate PFAS from consumer products.
These are just some of the things to put a small dent in the build up of forever chemicals while keeping us active outdoors. I wonder what forever actually means when it comes to these "forever chemicals" and can we eventually beat forever?
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