11–20 of 151 posts
This 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...
https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/what-edcs-are/common-ed...
My 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.
My 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.
PTFE is used in medical implants. You can eat it. In no case that I'm aware of have these things resulted in detectable fluorinated compounds in someone's blood stream.
This 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...
There appears to be a similar issue with other endocrine disruptor chemicals like phthalates (plastic softeners) possibly increasing the risk of obesity. But those are typically polluting food rather than air. https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/what-edcs-are/common-ed...
How 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.
It feels like I'm in a strange dystopia trying to find undergarments not treated with some sort of PFAS additives.
Could be wrong but it seems like the general rule is that manufacturers are allowed to "experiment in public" when it comes to chemical science. PFAS alternatives are already in the wild and we don't know what those do either.
Here's what you can do:
1. Open windows to your house, but also your car which contains PFAS in the upholstery
2. Minimize dust w/ vacuum, HEPA filters
3. Reduce use of old couches which stirs up dust until you replace it
4. Minimize polyurethane foam products - polyster foam is better
5. Paper/biodegradable takeout containers and fast food packaging have PFAS lined so the paper doesn't absorb oil etc.
My 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.
I'm all about taking your health into your hands, but it won't hold on the long run.
We also need strong policies against this.
My 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.
In California now it seems like we have an extended wildfire season every summer where no one wants to open the windows due to bad air quality.
How 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.
PFAS is used in nearly all current water resistant fabrics, including clothing, upholstery, and carpet. The industry calls these Durable Water Resistant (DWR) treatments.
PFAS-free treatments are only just recently hitting the market, but there are only a few so far and they're expensive. The North Face's Futurlight, Helly Hanson's Lifa are the only ones I know by name, but I've heard that Marmot and Mountain Hardware have some PFC-free garments as well.
EDIT:
I searched "PFAS wicking" and I see a some underwear makers are claiming their DWR treated products have enhanced wicking properties. This is confusing marketing. The DWR isn't actually enhacing the wicking. Rather, it's keeping the surface of the fabric that's next to the skin dry, while the untreated bulk of the fabric wicks moisture away. This is sort of like the thin perforated polyethylene membrane used in Band Aids to keep the would dry and prevent adhesion of the dressing.
Nevertheless, it appears we now have to be wary of forever chemicals in our underwear. Lame.
California law TB117 required fire retardant foam until 2015 so a lot of couches have PFAS. This is an example of creating a problem by trying to avoiding another. Of course, this is not to single out CA as this is a global problem. Could be wrong but it seems like the general rule is that manufacturers are allowed to "experiment in public" when it comes to chemical science. PFAS alternatives are already in the wild…
This is probably the most important. If you work from home, it might be prudent to at least have a one-room HEPA filter in your home office.