The "Forever Chemicals" and Fasting

The spread of dangerous chemicals in the air of homes, schools and stores

Dangerous substances spread in the air inside homes, schools and stores at alarming levels

Found in canned meats, food utensils and children's toys.. How do we protect our health from plastic

Plastic cups threaten your health and you will not imagine the reason

Experts confirm that the source of these materials - which are transmitted in the air and stick to dust particles inside closed places - is products treated with "PFAS" compounds such as carpets and clothing.

It was previously believed that food and water were the main sources that expose humans to the risk of these chemicals,

They added inhaling these materials through the air as a third source that is no less dangerous, especially since it was noted that most people spend about 90% of their time indoors.

PFAS compounds are among about 9,000 compounds used to make products more resistant to water, stains and heat.

Because of their potency, these chemicals are used in dozens of industries and are found in thousands of products we consume every day,

such as carpets, shoes, stain removers, waterproof clothing, cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, and fire extinguisher foams.

PFAS compounds are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally and accumulate in the bodies of humans and animals.

They are considered to cause cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, decreased immunity, hormonal disruption, and a number of other serious health problems.

Reproductive problems: PFAS can affect fertility and fetal health.

Weakened immune system: PFAS can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection.

Hazardous materials

In kindergartens, a clothing store storage room, and a number of university classrooms and laboratories.

It was also found that children attending kindergarten are more exposed to these compounds through breathing.

PFAS can migrate from packaging materials and non-stick cookware to food.

Eating these materials with food can lead to serious liver disease.

Scientists have discovered a link between PFAS and liver cancer

These materials are known for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, making them useful in many applications such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams.

PFAS are sometimes known as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time.

This persistence means that PFAS can be found in soil, water, and air, leading to widespread human exposure through contaminated water, food, and consumer products.

There is still much that is unknown about their full health effects.

To limit your exposure to PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances), it is recommended to

Water consumption: Make sure your drinking water is tested for PFAS. If you have a private well, ask your local health or environmental agency for guidance on how to do the testing. It is also recommended to use certified filters to reduce PFAS levels in water.

Consumer products: Be wary of household products, indoor air, or dust that may contain PFAS, despite recent efforts to remove some PFAS from circulation. Avoid stain-resistant carpets and furniture, and products with fluorocarbons listed on the label. In addition, limit your consumption of foods that come in grease-resistant packaging, as PFAS was detected in about half of the packaging tested.

Fish consumption: Follow fish consumption guidelines, especially if you live in areas with PFAS or other contaminants in your water. These guidelines may recommend stopping or reducing your consumption of fish from contaminated water.

Breastfeeding: Be aware that PFAS can pass from a mother’s blood into her breast milk, potentially exposing nursing infants to PFAS. However, the benefits of breastfeeding should be considered.

Dental products: Some dental floss contains PFAS, so be careful when choosing dental floss products. Check guidelines on reducing your exposure to PFAS from trusted sources before purchasing new products.

Awareness and support: Encourage your local water company to test your drinking water for PFAS

Clothing and fabrics that repel water and oil

Firefighting gear to prevent fires from sticking

Food packaging to wrap food

Cooking utensils and tools to prevent food from sticking

But the problem is that PFAS stay in the environment for so long that they’ve been called “forever chemicals.”

They build up in the bodies of humans, animals, and the environment over time, and can have adverse health effects

Some fasting practices may indirectly help reduce PFAS levels in the body,

Boost metabolism: Fasting may help boost metabolism, which can help break down some harmful chemicals, including PFAS.

Boost liver function: Fasting may help boost liver function, which is the main organ responsible for detoxifying the body, including PFAS.

Reduce inflammation: Fasting may help reduce inflammation in the body, and chronic inflammation may contribute to the accumulation of PFAS in the body.

PFAS compounds, called "forever chemicals", are spread in the air, inside homes, schools, and stores, and are found in processed meats, eating utensils, children's toys, carpets, and clothing. Reducing PFAS levels in the body, fasting, reducing inflammation, enhancing liver function,

"Forever Chemicals" (PFAS): Risks and Solutions

Humanity and the environment face widespread contamination from a group of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).

Renowned for their extreme persistence in the environment and the human body, these chemicals have earned the nickname "forever chemicals." This document summarizes the health and environmental risks associated with PFAS, identifies exposure sources, and explores prevention methods and emerging technologies to remove them from drinking water and ecosystems.

Key Points

Nature and Sources of PFAS

• PFAS comprise over 9,000 synthetic chemicals resistant to water, oil, and heat.

• Common applications:

  • Food packaging (pizza boxes, popcorn bags).

  • Nonstick cookware (Teflon).

  • Waterproof textiles (outerwear, carpets).

  • Cosmetics (lipstick, foundation).

  • Firefighting foam.

• PFAS spread globally in water, air, and soil due to their resistance to degradation.

Quote: "PFAS accumulate in the body over time because they do not break down easily. Due to this property, these substances can remain in blood and tissues for extended periods."

Health Risks of PFAS

PFAS are linked to a range of health issues, including:

• Cancer (liver, kidney, testicular).

• Thyroid disorders.

• Weakened immune system.

• Reproductive problems.

• High cholesterol.

• Liver damage.

Children are at higher risk due to their greater relative consumption of water and food per body weight.

Quote: "PFAS have been associated with numerous health problems, such as thyroid disorders, cancer, immune dysfunction, and elevated cholesterol."

Exposure Pathways

• Food: Packaged in grease-resistant materials, processed foods, and restaurant meals (due to PFAS-treated packaging).

• Drinking water: Contaminated public or private water sources.

• Air: Inhalation of polluted indoor dust and air (homes, schools, stores).

• Consumer products: Cosmetics, waterproof clothing, etc.

Quote: "Foods at room or low temperatures may be relatively safe... If you order takeout in plastic-coated containers or bags, these are rich sources of forever chemicals—avoid them."

Regulatory and Removal Efforts

• Government actions: Restrictions on PFAS use in certain products.

• Emerging removal technologies:

  • Silica-based absorbents.

  • Membrane biofilm reactors (MBfRs).

  • Electrochemical and photolytic breakdown.

  • Deep ultraviolet (UV) light.

Quote: "Governments must ensure environmental monitoring for a broad range of PFAS chemicals."

Tips to Reduce Exposure

• Use certified water filters to remove PFAS from drinking water.

• Avoid PFAS-containing products: Check labels for terms like "fluoro" or PTFE.

• Limit packaged foods: Reduce fast food and grease-resistant packaging use.

• Choose cookware carefully: Opt for stainless steel or cast iron over nonstick Teflon.

• Select natural materials: Cotton, linen, or wool over synthetic textiles.

• Consider fasting: May boost liver function and reduce inflammation (though research is ongoing).

Quote: "Fasting may enhance metabolism... improve liver function... and reduce inflammation."

Innovative Cleanup Solutions

• Biodegradation: Microorganisms to break down PFAS compounds.

• Enzyme engineering: Accelerate degradation using biocatalysts for short-chain PFAS.

• Microbial studies: Design more biodegradable fluorinated compounds.

Quote: "We need PFAS alternatives that are eco-friendly, less toxic, yet functionally equivalent."

Conclusion

PFAS pose a major environmental and health challenge due to their persistence, widespread contamination, and harmful effects. By understanding exposure sources and adopting preventive measures, we can protect health and reduce environmental impact.

Ongoing research into removal technologies and safer alternatives is critical to safeguarding ecosystems and future generations.

Note: Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice on PFAS risks and exposure reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About "Forever Chemicals" (PFAS)

What are PFAS and why are they called "forever chemicals"?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals used in products for their water/grease resistance. They are termed "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally, persisting for centuries in the environment and human bodies.

Where are PFAS found, and how are people exposed?

• Common Uses: Food packaging (fast food wrappers), nonstick cookware, waterproof textiles, cosmetics, firefighting foam.

• Exposure Routes:

  • Contaminated drinking water.

  • Food from PFAS-treated packaging or polluted soil/water.

  • Air and dust in homes/workplaces.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

• Cancer (kidney, testicular).

• Liver damage, thyroid disorders, fertility issues.

• Weakened immunity, high cholesterol, obesity.

How to Reduce PFAS Exposure

• Test drinking water and use certified filters.

• Avoid stain-resistant carpets, nonstick cookware, and cosmetics with PFAS.

• Limit packaged foods; opt for fresh, unprocessed options.

Can Fasting Reduce PFAS Levels?

Limited evidence suggests fasting may help by boosting metabolism, liver function, and reducing inflammation. However, research is inconclusive.

Innovations to Remove PFAS

• Absorbents: Silica-based materials to trap PFAS.

• Electrochemical Processes: Destroy captured PFAS.

• Microbes and UV Light: Break down PFAS in water.

Regulatory Actions

• National limits on PFAS in drinking water.

• Bans on specific PFAS uses.

• Environmental cleanup plans.

Safer Alternatives to PFAS

• Natural materials (cotton, wool).

• PFAS-free coatings for cookware.

• Industrial process redesign.

Key Takeaway: PFAS pose long-term health and environmental threats. Advocacy for stricter regulations and safer alternatives is critical.