How To Protect Yourself Against PFAS Water Contamination
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a broad class of man-made chemicals, including industrial cleaners, that have been used by industry, government, and military around the world. These chemical compounds bioaccumulate up the food chain, meaning they accumulate in the human body. Recent studies have indicated that PFAS can cause cancer and other diseases. Find out how you can protect yourself with this article!
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of chemicals that have been used in industrial and commercial processes since the 1940s. They are also found in water supplies across the United States. PFAS can be very harmful if they get into your body.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from PFAS water contamination:
1. Don’t drink or cook with water from contaminated sources. If you have to drink water from a contaminated source, use a water filter or the boiling water method to make it safe.
2. Wash your hands often – even if you’re using hand sanitizer – and avoid touching your skin, food, and drink.
3. Avoid eating food that has been exposed to PFAS contamination—especially meat, seafood, and poultry.
4. Avoid using products that contain PFAS—especially clothing, carpets, furniture, and dishes—unless they have been specifically designed for use with these chemicals.
5. If you have to work with or around PFAS materials, wear protective gear such as gloves and a face shield.
Why are PFAS harmful?
PFAS is short for perfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are found in many everyday products, from food to water. PFASs have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer.
Why are PFAS so dangerous?
PFAS are pervasive and difficult to remove from the environment and from our bodies. They can accumulate in the body and cause toxic effects over time.
What can I do to protect myself?
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from PFAS exposure:
-Avoid using products that contain PFAS.
-Brew your own coffee using water that has been purified using a water filter.
-Only drink water that has been filtered or treated by a reputable company.
-Don’t cook with PFAS-containing pans or saucepans.
-Limit your exposure to PFAS through food and water sources.
Seek for Legal Advice:
If you need a legal advice, be sure to speak with an experienced PFAS cancer lawyer. Many attorneys specialize in representing people who have been harmed by PFAS exposure, and can help you explore all your legal options.
For example, some possible legal claims you may have include:
-Negligence: The employer or government agency may have been negligent in their handling of the contamination, which led to your exposure.
-Exposure to a hazardous substance: Because PFAS are classified as hazardous substances, you may have been exposed to too much of them and suffered from the resulting health effects.
-Toxic tort: If the contamination at the facility was caused by a toxic substance, you may be able to sue the company for damages.
How do you protect yourself?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to protect yourself depends on your individual circumstances. However, here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
1. Keep your water clean: This is perhaps the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from PFAS contamination. Make sure that you’re using clean water to cook with and drink, and avoid using contaminated water for anything else. If you have to use water that has been contaminated with PFAS, be sure to do all of your washing carefully, using only cold water and plenty of soap.
2. Be aware of your surroundings: If you’re living in a area where PFAS contamination is a problem, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. Avoid carrying or eating any food or drinks that have been near PFAS-contaminated water, and be especially careful when walking around lakes and rivers.
3. Get vaccinated: Although there is currently no vaccine available for PFAS exposure, getting vaccinated may still be a good idea if you live in an area where PFAS contamination is a concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ) recommends that all Americans born between 1976 and 1986 be vaccinated against hepatitis B and have a flu shot.
4. Vaccinations are available: without vaccination, you can lower your risk of infection by getting the hepatitis B vaccine (if you’re at-risk for liver disease) and the flu shot every year. If you’re pregnant or breast feeding, think about getting vaccinated against influenza as well.
5. Get tested: Testing is available to determine if you may have been exposed to PFAS in your environment or if you’re developing any health issues that might be related to PFAS exposure.
Conclusion
One of the key concerns that many people have when it comes to water contamination is the potential for exposure to PFASs. The problem with PFASs is that they are persistent and bioaccumulative, which means that they can build up in the body over time. This can lead to serious health complications, including cancer. To protect yourself from PFAS water contamination, there are a few things you can do:
• Make sure you’re drinking filtered water. Not all tap water is safe, and even filtered water may not be completely free of PFASs. If you can’t see any visible signs of contamination (such as brown or black spots on your appliances), it’s probably best to stick with bottled or purified water instead.
• Avoid washing your dishes in municipal wastewater systems. Many municipalities use wastewater treatment plants that treat effluents with high levels of PFASs. Even if your municipality uses a secondary treatment plant, some toxic chemicals may still make their way into your taps through rain runoff or discharge pipes. Instead, try using an outside kitchen sink or hand-washing dishes by pouring fresh cold water onto them before rinsing off thoroughly.
