29 Sep The ‘Forever Chemicals’ – PFAS
by Emanuela Visone, Health Coach, Life Coach, Functional Nutritionist Counselor
& Elena Klimenko, MD
What does PFAS stand for?
Polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – are manufactured chemicals that are ingredients in various everyday products. PFAS are chain molecules of carbon and fluorine bonds. Carbon-fluorine bonds are very strong, and as a result, these are long-lasting chemicals that break down very slowly over time.
WHERE IS PFAS FOUND?
Due to their persistence in the environment, they are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world, and in the soil, air, and water. They are found in the blood of humans mostly due to the consumption of PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS.
PFAS are most often associated with industrial waste and from consumer products like GoreTex®, Teflon®, StainMaster® carpets, Scotchgard®, and other flame retardants and non-stick products. PFAS chemicals are found in the coatings of food wrappers, stain-resistant furniture and carpets treated with Scotchgard, Stainmaster and other fabric treatments, clothes labeled stain- or water-repellent, and even in personal care products and cosmetics.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF PFAS?
Exposure to PFAS has been associated with increased cholesterol levels, immune system changes, thyroid problems, increased chance of kidney, prostate, or testicular cancer, and developmental effects in children.
According to the Environmental Working Group, there is unreleased federal data suggesting that up to 110 million Americans could have PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Unfortunately, many household filters are only partially effective at removing PFAS from drinking water. Reverse osmosis filters are most effective for filtering out PFAS.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Using products with PFAS is inevitable. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk according to EHN (Environmental Health News) Environmental Health News
Avoid water and stain-repellent carpeting and household textiles, such as curtains, furniture upholstery, bedding, tablecloths, and napkins.
Limit use and purchase of “waterproof,” “water-resistant,” and “stain-resistant” clothing and other products, and “anti-fog” eyeglass sprays and wipes
Avoid food packaged in greaseproof bags or containers. As an alternative, use your own glass containers for takeout and leftovers. Encourage restaurants to ditch food containers and packaging containing PFAS. Skip microwave popcorn from PFAS-treated bags.
Be aware that not all compostable packaging is PFAS-free: choose BPI-certified packaging to be sure, and ask about it at restaurants that use compostable containers.
Cook with stainless steel, cast iron, glass, or ceramic cookware instead of non-stick options.
Read personal care product and cosmetic labeling carefully and avoid those with “perfluor-,” “polyfluor-,” “PTFE,” or Teflon on the label.
If you drink bottled water, try to purchase water labeled “purified,” rather than spring water.
Find out if your water source has been tested for PFAS. If it contains PFAS
We recommend ordering a PFAS Water Test from Tap Score for testing 14 of the most common PFAS in drinking water. It is $299 for the testing kit. They ship you the instructions and everything you need to test your drinking water. Then you would ship the sample to the lab. The lab analyzes the sample and will send a full report of the chemicals present in the water.
Follow the link here to purchase: https://mytapscore.com/products/pfas-water-test
About the co-author
Emanuela is a leading expert in how to naturally restore your body back to optimal health and a Master Transformational Coach. After spending over 20 years in the finance industry as a recruiter, Emanuela discovered her true passion and calling for naturopathy and is helping serve people as well as their pets on a national level. In her mid-forties, she decided to make a career change and became a certified health and life coach because she absolutely loves helping others achieve major breakthroughs in their life that will last forever.
Her clients walk away having new healthy habits and new rituals that are in alignment with becoming the best versions of themselves. She resolved her own health issues through a unique nutritional approach and wants to share her story with everyone in hopes of making a positive difference in someone’s life.
She also restored naturally her beloved St. Bernard, Sonnie’s gut health. This is what inspired her to start working on and has now published her first book, Healing Through Nature’s Medicine, A Story of Hope.
She coaches many individuals on how to restore their health everything from thyroid conditions, shrinking nodules, stabilizing normal sugar levels, blood pressure, hormones and so much more. She also guides many pet owners on how to heal their fur baby’s health. Emanuela will teach you how to become your own best doctor.
She is a second-level Reiki Energy Healer, conducts Bio-Resonance Therapy and is currently studying to become a functional nutritionist and lifestyle practitioner. She loves spending time with her family and friends, loves the outdoors, and practicing spiritual well-being.
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