Should You Worry About Forever Chemicals?

September 25, 2024

It’s in the news. It’s also likely in your water, your food, and your building. But what are forever chemicals, and are they harmful? Here’s what you need to know about this growing health concern and the best ways to reduce exposure in your facility.

What Are Forever Chemicals?

Forever chemicals are a class of man-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Since the 1950s, manufacturers have used them in various products due to their resistance to grease, oil, water, and heat. Think cookware, furniture, clothing, packaging, and cleaning products. Over time PFAS leach into the environment and pollute our soil, air, food, and water. True to their moniker, forever chemicals potentially take thousands of years to break down.

Why Are Forever Chemicals So Bad?

Scientists have linked forever chemicals with health issues like cancer, liver and thyroid disease, asthma, allergies, decreased fertility, and delayed development in children. PFAS are also everywhere due to decades of prolific use. Most people in the U.S. have been found to have PFAS in their blood.

No single product contains dangerous levels of these chemicals. Health experts are more concerned about the cumulative exposure from many small sources over time. Instead, it’s best to reduce exposure by avoiding as many non-essential products containing PFAS. In response, this year the EPA launched several new initiatives to curb the public’s exposure to PFAS, including:

• Designating two common PFAS as hazardous substances
• Enforcing new national drinking water regulations
• Providing stricter guidance on PFAS destruction and disposal
• Directing U.S. federal government custodial providers to only use PFAS-free cleaning products

How Can Facilities Reduce Their Exposure to Forever Chemicals?

Facilities managers can significantly reduce PFAS exposure by sourcing products with third-party green labels like Green Seal and EPA’s Safer Choice. These organizations’ strict criteria prohibit the use of these chemicals. Certified products using safe non-PFAS alternatives include:

• Construction products and building equipment: PFAS-free paint, wall boards, ceiling tiles, insulation, carpeting, upholstered furniture
• Supplies: toilet paper, paper towels, hand soaps, food packages
• Maintenance: stains, sealants, commercial cleaning products, disinfectants

At SparkleTeam, we only use products approved by Green Seal or EPA’s Safer Choice. Reducing PFAS exposure is only one part of our broader mission to ensure safer, healthier facilities for our clients.