Lessons From the Firefighter Foam Lawsuit: Products You Didn’t Know Contain PFAS

Ever stood in the grocery store and read the packaging information on a product label? Most of us don’t and just usually toss whatever in the cart. Just as we’re mindful about what we eat, we should pay the same attention to packaging.

A decade ago we learned about the devastating effects of single-use plastics on the environment. Manufacturers and consumers were called to action. Because of the outcry, plastic bags are banned in most stores.

Thanks to research and extensive studies, we’re constantly learning that what was once right can sometimes be wrong. And that’s okay. We’re a species that can easily adapt.

It’s amazing how the outcome of one single event can spur humans to reset their minds to think on a different wavelength.

Forever Chemicals

Before 2018, hardly anyone knew about Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances. Thanks to the firefighter foam lawsuit, people are actively educating themselves.

Google “AFFF lawsuit” and a list as long as your arm kicks out story after story. It reads like a thrilling court drama. Only, it’s real life.

The AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable, claims legal firm TorHoerman Law. Not surprisingly, people suffering due to prolonged exposure to the chemicals in firefighting foam are filing AFFF lawsuits.

Decreased fertility. Developmental effects in children. Increased risks of prostate, kidney and testicular cancers. It sounds like the premise for a dystopian future. Spoiler alert incoming! Exposure to certain levels of PFSA could lead to these dread diseases.

Now that we know the effects of “forever chemicals” such as PFAS, we can’t avoid them. But, we can be conscious of the products we use.

Water

Water is the essence of life. Every living thing needs water to survive. What if we told you PFAS can be found in raindrops? A 2022 study published in Environmental Science and Technology found the claim to be true. 

Oceans are already contaminated with PFAS. Evaporated water is picked up by clouds. The chemicals are released by rain clouds and fall back down to Earth.

“It is really earth-shaking for me and eye-opening for folks,” said  Scott Belcher, an associate professor of biological sciences at North Carolina State University, during a Time interview.

Although you can’t predict when it rains, there are other steps you can take to avoid PFAS in drinking water.

The EPA recently published a comprehensive list of reducing the risks. A simple thing you can do is install a water filter. You could contact your local water utility to find out what actions they are taking. Also, request that they test the water for PFAS and share the results with you.

Contact Lenses

Yep, you read correctly. Contact lenses are some of the few things we pay little attention to. We pop them in our eyes and off we go. 

Environmental Health Sciences first reported some facts in a study published in Chemosphere. The results showed that 18 of the most popular soft contact lens products tested positive for PFAS chemicals. Before you trash your contact lenses, scientists have said that low-level exposure is not cause for concern. Nonetheless, they are still worried.

Menstrual Products

Scientists at the University of Notre Dame tested over 100 menstrual products for PFAS. They found the harmful “forever chemicals” in some, but not all. These included liners, pads and tampons.

None of the products themselves contained PFAS. Nevertheless, they were found in higher concentrations of plastic wrapping and plastic applicators. 

The findings prompted Vermont Governor Phil Scott to sign a new law banning PFAS in cosmetics, feminine hygiene products and kids’ toys, among other products.

The bill also contains a first-in-the-nation ban on phthalates, a chemical used in food packaging, Vermont Public reported.

Takeout Packaging

The FDA recently announced that certain food packaging containing PFAS will no longer be sold in the U.S. The reasons were simple. The packaging acted as a conductor for PFAS exposure.

“This means the major source of dietary exposure to PFAS from food packaging like fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard containers and pet food bags is being eliminated,” Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for Human Foods at the FDA, said in an official statement.

Unfortunately, the list doesn’t end there. Cleaning products. Water-resistant fabrics. Non-stick cookware. Carpets. Upholstery. These are everyday things we use around our homes.

To make smart buying decisions, Consumer Notice suggested the following:

• Avoid buying products containing ingredients with “perfluoro” or “fluoro” in their name. 
• Always look for PFAS-free labels. 

And remember, when in doubt, leave it out.