The Catch-22 of limiting our PFAS exposure

By Marina Schauffler | Maine Morning Star | February 19, 2024

Read the full article by Marina Schauffler (Maine Morning Star)

"If you’re fortunate, your primary care provider might follow the guidance of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) and inquire about your exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Assuming you don’t have high occupational exposure or drink from a well at risk, your clinician might conclude the exchange with encouragement to limit PFAS exposure where you can.

Individual risk reduction is essential but inherently problematic. It keeps the focus on adapting to the status quo when there’s an acute need to reduce PFAS at the source—limiting the production and use of these pernicious chemicals.

Do-it-yourself fixes unfairly burden those who did not create this problem. Why should the onus be on them to research and purchase water filtration or replace consumer goods that hold hidden hazards?"

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Products
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Affected community
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses