For several months now, PFAS/PFOS, these perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been garnering increasing attention from both the media and health authorities. The discovery of their presence in numerous everyday products and their potential health hazards are at the heart of this concern.

A Toxic Cocktail

PFAS/PFOS comprise a family of over 4,700 man-made chemical substances. Renowned for their water-repellent properties and heat resistance, they are found in a plethora of applications: from food packaging to waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, and fire-fighting foams, among others.

The catch? These chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body. Scientific studies have linked exposure to PFAS/PFOS with various health risks, including:

  • Weakening of the immune system
  • Hormonal disruption
  • Increased risk of certain cancers
  • Developmental issues in fetuses

Scandals Rocking the Globe

Numerous scandals related to PFAS/PFOS have erupted in recent years across several countries:

United States:

  • Drinking water contamination in several cities, including Wilmington (North Carolina) and Hoosick Falls (New York).
  • Discovery of alarming levels of PFAS/PFOS in the blood of the American population.
  • Environmental contamination near DuPont and Chemours factories.

Germany:

  • PFAS/PFOS found in wastewater from 3M’s production plant in Antwerp, Belgium.
  • Drinking water contamination in several cities, including Leverkusen and Uerdingen.

Italy:

  • Drinking water contamination in the Veneto region.
  • Scandal involving Miteni, accused of releasing PFAS/PFOS into the environment.

France:

  • Soil and water pollution in the Isère region due to the use of fire-fighting foams.
  • Drinking water contamination in several cities, including Grenoble and Lyon.

Switzerland:

  • Drinking water contamination in several cantons, including Geneva and Vaud.
  • Discovery of PFAS/PFOS in food products from the Migros brand.

Denmark:

  • Drinking water contamination in the city of Korsør.
  • Scandal involving DuPont, accused of polluting the environment with PFAS/PFOS.

Netherlands:

  • Drinking water contamination in several cities, including Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
  • Ban on the use of fire-fighting foams containing PFAS/PFOS.

Belgium:

  • Drinking water contamination in the Flanders region.
  • Closure of a PFAS/PFOS production plant due to polluting emissions.

Australia:

  • Drinking water contamination in several cities, including Sydney and Melbourne.
  • Launch of a national investigation into PFAS/PFOS.

Japan:

  • Drinking water contamination in the city of Kyushu.
  • Discovery of PFAS/PFOS in fish and seafood.
PFAS Pollution map in Europe – source : foreverpollution.eu

A Long Road Ahead in the Fight

The battle against PFAS/PFOS is far from over. It’s crucial to continue informing the public about the dangers of these chemical substances and to press authorities for more ambitious measures.

In the meantime, there are a few simple steps we can all take to reduce our exposure to PFAS/PFOS:

  • Choose products labeled as PFAS/PFOS-free
  • Filter our drinking water
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption
  • Avoid eating fish caught in contaminated waters

By acting together, we can contribute to safeguarding our health and the environment.

Our Solutions to Avoid PFAS