A number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise of various man-made chemical substances that include PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and a number of other chemicals, and they have been created and used in several different industries around the world since as far back as the 1940s.
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These chemicals are extremely persistent in the human body and environment, meaning that they don’t break down. In fact, they will accumulate substantially over time and evidence suggests that exposure to PFAS can have serious health effects on people, animals, and the environment.
PFAS are often present in:
- Commercial household items such as water-and stain-repellant fabric, waxes, polishes, non-stick products like Teflon, and several cleaning products
- Food that has been packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that uses it, or grown in soil and/or water that has been contaminated with it
- Workplaces such as production facilities that use PFAS in manufacturing. These can include electronics manufacturing plants, chrome-plating facilities, etc.
- Drinking water, especially that which is associated with a specific landfill, wastewater treatment plant, or manufacturing plant that uses PFAS
- Living organisms such as animals, fish, and people, where they accumulate over time
While PFOS and PFOA aren’t manufactured in the US anymore, they are still being produced in other countries. This means that they could still be imported into the country by means of several consumer goods like apparel, leather, carpeting, plastic, rubber, packaging, and even some paper products.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS
Several studies have revealed that PFAS can cause a number of kidney, liver, reproductive and developmental conditions, along with tumors.
Other effects that can be experienced include, but may not be limited to:
- Low birth weight in babies
- Effects on the immune system
- Cancer
- Disruption of thyroid hormones
- Disruption of liver enzymes
- Decreased vaccine response in children
How Communities are Exposed to PFAS
There are several ways in which communities can be exposed to PFAS. For instance, people and animals can be exposed to them through the food supply that has become contaminated through:
- Food packages that contain PFAS
- Contaminated soil and water that is being used when growing food
- Equipment that requires PFAS during the processing and/or manufacturing processes
It’s possible for entire communities to be exposed to PFAS when they’re released during normal use, biodegradation, or when consumer products containing them are disposed of. Individuals who work at production facilities where PFAS are used can be exposed to them during manufacturing processes or through the air that has become contaminated with them. Community drinking water supplies can become contaminated in areas where industrial facilities that use PFAS are situated. These can include airfields and oil refineries.
The above mentioned information is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the potential risks associated with PFAS, as scientists are still in the process of studying and learning about the health effects that can be experienced as a result of being exposed to these chemical compounds over prolonged periods of time.
Common Questions
- What is considered biohazard waste?
- Biohazard waste is any waste contaminated with blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials that could transmit disease. OSHA's definition covers liquid or semi-liquid blood; items that would release blood if compressed or are caked with dried blood that could flake off; contaminated sharps; and pathological and microbiological wastes. Common examples include saturated gauze, contaminated PPE, suction canisters, cultures, needles, and surgical tissue.
- What's the difference between biohazard waste and medical waste?
- Biohazard waste is a subset of medical waste. Medical waste is the broad category that can include pharmaceuticals and chemicals; biohazard waste specifically refers to material that contains or may contain infectious agents. For the broader category, see our medical waste disposal guide.
- How do I know if something is biohazard waste?
- Use OSHA's squeeze test: if an item would release blood or other potentially infectious material in a liquid or semi-liquid state when compressed — or is caked with dried material that could flake off during handling — it's regulated waste. A bandage with a small dried spot generally isn't; gauze saturated with blood is. Some states define medical waste more broadly, so check your state's rules.
- What color are biohazard bags and labels?
- OSHA requires biohazard labels to be fluorescent orange or orange-red, with the biohazard symbol and the word “BIOHAZARD” in a contrasting color. Red bags or red containers may be used instead of labels, which is why biohazard waste is often called “red bag” waste.
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