Hi Friends,
Per my previous Wellness Wednesday Spotlight, I am diving into the Environmental Working Group’s areas of focus and sharing a summary of what I find each week.
First, what are PFAS chemicals and why should you care?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals; used since the 1940’s to help resist oil, water, heat, etc. They are also used to enhance the feel and texture of many of the everyday products you may use. They are used in everything from household fabrics & products, to food packaging & cookware, to cosmetics and beauty aids. Many scientists refer to them as forever chemicals, because they do not break down in the environment, or in the human body. These chemicals are added to many of the products we are exposed to on a daily basis. Scientists have concluded through human and animal blood tests that the contamination is cumulative and while the FDA and EPA indicate they are conducting long running research to investigate long term effects, exposure to many of these chemicals has been linked to some serious health effects.
In my experience, a company or brand may say the amount of these chemicals in their product is a small so it’s nothing to really worry about. I encourage you to conduct your own research and consider limiting exposure wherever possible. For me, as a cancer survivor and one with several autoimmune diagnoses, I want to make the best choices I can, wherever I can. I want to limit my exposure so I can protect my body from more damage and make symptoms and pain more manageable, or even pain/symptom free if possible. I am always hopeful! So please ask yourself, what ailments you have that could potentially be made better by limiting your contamination level. I believe we all have a tipping point for disease, so why push it.
Below are a few of the links that I have referred to in my own research. Take just a moment to click on each and review for yourself, to consider the impact to your health, and your family.
https://www.ewg.org/research/decades-fda-knew-toxic-forever-chemicals-were-dangerous-continued-allow-their-use - This data was available decades ago but we were not protected. I wonder why you think that may be. $$$.
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2022/03/ewg-epa-must-do-more-prioritize-forever-chemicals-spending - This will be interesting to see.
The two above are the EWG. There is also an option on here to request a free PDF Guide to Avoiding PFAS Chemicals.
The EPA and FDA info: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/increasing-our-understanding-health-risks-pfas-and-how-address-them
Knowledge is power friends, be informed and be well.
Wishing you a LIFE OF LOVE,
Debby