By Dr. Christina Rahm
A few months ago, I authored a column on microplastics and the fact we encounter them nearly everywhere in our daily lives, from dust to cosmetics, plastic water bottles, in varying food products and produce. Due to their widespread use, PFAS, also known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, appear to be just as problematic as microplastics in terms of general environmental concerns.
PFAS are man-made, long-lasting chemicals (meaning they break down slowly over time), having been used in various industrial applications and consumer products since the 1940s. Known for their ability to repel water, grease, and heat, PFAS are used in a wide range of applications, including nonstick pans, firefighting foam, waterproof clothing, food packaging, stain-resistant treatments, carpets, and fabrics, among others.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), since PFAS are nearly indestructible (often titled forever chemicals), they are persistent in the environment, they can also accumulate in the body and cause health anomalies.
What the EPA Has Learned thus Far:
- PFAS are found in water, air, fish, wildlife, and soil across the nation and around the globe.
- PFAS have been found in blood tests of people and animals.
- There are thousands of varying PFAS chemicals manufactured into a myriad of industrial products (most are commercially assessable) which makes it challenging to substantively assess the potential human health and environmental risks.
The EPA and its environmental partners are working to better understand how to detect and measure them more efficiently, including analyzing the quantity to which people are exposed to daily, how to eliminate them (specifically from drinking water), and ultimately dispose of them.
A 2025 study from Boston University and the California Department of Public Health has linked exposure to PFAS to:
- Immune system disruption
- Increased cholesterol
- Liver damage
- Hormonal imbalances
- Increased risk of some cancers
“One of our key takeaways is that even low levels of PFAS in water, levels well below crisis zones, can significantly contribute to body burden over time,” said Dr. Emily Pennoyer, the study’s lead author.
Accordingly, the study identified the following four steps to reduce exposure:
- Filter your tap water with NSF/ANSI Certified Filters (reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are the most effective) and stay away from bottled water.
- Choose your proteins wisely. East ocean-caught fish versus freshwater. And purchase organic, pasture-raised eggs from local farms when possible.
- Rotate white rice and other grains with brown rice as PFAS can accumulate in the outer layers (of brown rice).
- Look for PFAS-free clothing and home goods. Avoid water-repellant, stain repellant, and flame-retardant clothing and furniture. Use ceramic, stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast-iron cookware.
As most know, I am a big believer in detoxing environmentally unhealthy chemicals from the body to support longevity. Though, longevity is not just about mitigating toxins, but about creating a lifestyle which helps your body recover, and prosper from environmental ambushes such as microplastics and PFAS, and other unwanted chemicals which can affect our microbiome and bodily function.
For a detoxing option, Clean Slate is a phenomenal choice to help support detoxification of heavy metals for passive cleansing. For more information, go to www.therootbrands.com/purelivingroot.
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