Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
1–10 of 151 posts
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#2Are there air purifiers that filter these? I have not seen them on list of what air purifiers can filter
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#3Are there air purifiers that filter these? I have not seen them on list of what air purifiers can filter
Regular HEPA filters should be able to filter these, but I'll admit I don't know what size these particles are. If they're single molecules it may be a problem.
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#4This contributes to the theory that PFAS is affecting ambient obesity rates in the modern world: https://slimemoldtimemold.com/2021/07/26/a-chemical-hunger-p...
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#5I can't stomach the science "journalism" here. Most of the statements about the research is that studies "found" the chemicals here or there. Ok, I can "find" various sources of cancer-related radiation in my sock drawer. Particularly annoying:
"It found particularly high levels in several kindergarten classrooms and also checked the supply room of an outdoor clothing store, offices, several university classrooms, university labs and an elevator."
Thank goodness we the public have the crucial information that the study checked these places.
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#6Are there air purifiers that filter these? I have not seen them on list of what air purifiers can filter
"HEPA filters capture pollen, dirt, dust, moisture, bacteria (0.2-2.0 μm), virus (0.02-0.3 μm), and submicron liquid aerosol (0.02-0.5 μm).[8][9][10] Some microorganisms, for example, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis are captured by HEPA filters with photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). HEPA is also able to capture some viruses and bacteria which are ≤0.3 μm."
"Eleven particle-size-segregated samples were taken to investigate the particle-size distribution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) using two five stage impactors in parallel. ... Particle-size distribution varied between perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and other perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), perfluorooctane carboxylate (PFOA) and other perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and n-methyl-perfluorooctanesulfonamido ethanol (MeFOSE). Whereas PFOA and MeFOSE were predominantly observed in smallest size fraction (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HEPA
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S00456...
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#7My takeaways:
1. Open the windows as often as weather allows.
2. Don't use nonstick pans unless they're cast iron or some kind of fired enamel.
3. Use a water purifier.
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#8Are there air purifiers that filter these? I have not seen them on list of what air purifiers can filter
"HEPA filters capture pollen, dirt, dust, moisture, bacteria (0.2-2.0 μm), virus (0.02-0.3 μm), and submicron liquid aerosol (0.02-0.5 μm).[8][9][10] Some microorganisms, for example, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis are captured by HEPA filters with photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). HEPA is also able to capture some viruses and bacteria which are ≤0.3 μm." "Ele…
For those uninterested in digesting these details, the upshot of this seems to be: Yes. HEPA filters should capture these.
Edit: Though perhaps inefficiently. See the replies below.
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#9How does one know if their clothing is PFAS-free if it doesn't specifically say?
Re: Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels
#10How does one know if their clothing is PFAS-free if it doesn't specifically say?
If your clothing is waterproof or has some kind of exercise "moisture wicking" material, it is common to have PFAS.