Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used chemicals thanks to their water- and grease-resistant properties.
There are thousands of PFAS, with the most well-known being perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
PFAS are a concern because of their persistence in the environment and their bioaccumulation in our bodies. PFAS do not break down easily and accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms over time.
They also accumulate in our bodies. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to developmental problems, liver damage, immune system disruption, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
We are exposed to PFAS through contaminated food, water, and air. They are in everyday items such as food packaging, nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foam, and…paper straws.
Look for paper straw brands that explicitly state they are PFAS-free. Better yet, carry stainless steel straws with you or your kids need to drink out of a straw.
Here are other ways to reduce your exposure:
- Look for products labeled as PFAS-free.
- Avoid products that are water- or stain-resistant.
- Avoid coated food packaging such as microwave popcorn bags, fast-food wrappers, and pizza boxes.
- Use a water filter certified to remove PFAS. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are effective at reducing PFAS levels in drinking water.
- Avoid nonstick cookware. If you use nonstick cookware, avoid overheating it.
- Check product labels of water-resistant and stain-resistant clothing, which typically have PFAS.
- Avoid stain-resistant or water-resistant treatments; opt for PFAS-free cleaning products and detergents.
To learn more about our services and to schedule a free consultation, please visit redriverhealthandwellness.com. We work with your prescribing physician for optimal results. Do not discontinue medication or hormone replacement therapy without consulting your prescribing physician.
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About Josh Redd
Josh Redd, MS, DABFM, DAAIM, is a chiropractic physician and author of the Amazon bestselling book “The Truth About Low Thyroid.” Redd owns seven functional medicine clinics in the western U.S. and sees patients from across the country and around the world who are suffering from challenging autoimmune, endocrine and neurological disorders.
He studied immunology, virology and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins where he is a MaPHB candidate. He also teaches thousands of health care practitioners about functional medicine and immunology, thyroid health, neurology, lab testing and more.
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