PFAS Making the Headlines

Have you heard of PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals”? If not, you’re not alone—75% of people surveyed in 2023 were unfamiliar with PFAS. Despite extensive scientific knowledge on these chemicals, it’s taking time for the public to catch up. This recent study, “Let’s Talk About PFAS,” reveals inconsistent public awareness, even as these chemicals become more common in news stories (Berthold et al., 2023).

What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in countless products, from nonstick cookware to cosmetics to water-resistant fabrics. Known for their persistence and prevalence in the environment, they’ve been linked to health risks.

Some of the buzz regarding PFAS has been related to wastewater treatment plants. Individuals, businesses, and industries all create wastewater that must be treated. The treatment process involves several steps and at the end of the process clean water is released to waterway. At WLSSD and many other treatment plants, biosolids are also produced. This material is rich in organic matter as well as nitrogen and fertilizer – great for growing crops. Since there is no economical treatment for PFAS yet, and wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to remove PFAS, they can end up in the waterways or the biosolids. If you’d like to dive deeper on PFAS and wastewater at WLSSD, check out the PFAS page on our website: https://wlssd.com/education/pollution-prevention/per-and-polyfluoralkyl-substances-pfas/

PFAS in the Media

Over the past several months, news outlets have ramped up coverage of PFAS-related issues. Here are a few notable articles that shed light on the growing awareness and concern about these chemicals:

1. ProPublica: How 3M Executives Convinced a Scientist the Forever Chemicals She Found in Human Blood Were Safe (Lerner, 2024)

This investigative piece uncovers how 3M downplayed internal scientific findings about the dangers of PFAS in human blood. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at corporate attempts to shield themselves from accountability, despite the mounting evidence of health risks.

2. NYTimes: Something’s Poisoning America’s Land. Farmers Fear ‘Forever’ Chemicals (Tabuchi, 2024a)

This article focuses on PFAS found on farmland through the use of biosolids as fertilizer. Farmers are increasingly worried about how these PFAS chemicals impact their crops, livestock, and livelihoods, leading to calls for stricter regulations. States like Maine have banned biosolids use, while other states are waiting for recommendations and regulations at the federal level.

3. Biocycle: Facts Vs Fear Mongering (Brown, 2024)

In response to the NYTimes article, Sally Brown critiques what she sees as sensationalism around PFAS in biosolids. While acknowledging PFAS’s presence, she argues that the focus should be on regulating manufacturers rather than blaming municipal wastewater treatment plants. She shares that Michigan’s approach of stopping land application of biosolids with high levels of PFAS is sensible but does not support all out bans because of the agricultural benefits of biosolids.

4. NYTimes: How Can I Get ‘Forever Chemicals’ Out of My Life (Tabuchi, 2024b)

This article provides practical advice on reducing exposure to PFAS. From switching out nonstick cookware to checking food packaging and personal care products, it stresses individual action while also calling for stronger regulation to address the root of the problem.

What Can You Do to Reduce PFAS Exposure?

At WLSSD, we’re committed to raising awareness about PFAS and empowering you to take action. In 2024, we hosted presentations on PFAS through Duluth Community Education as well as a couple town halls and plan to continue these efforts. While larger policy changes are needed, you can start by reducing your use of products containing PFAS and properly disposing them.

Learn more about Minnesota’s recommendations for disposal of PFAS products here: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/disposing-of-pfas-products

Minnesota is making strides in regulating PFAS, and together, we can help protect our environment by reducing our use of products that contain them. Drop off your hazardous products at WLSSD, 2626 Courtland St., Duluth, MN, and do your part to fight PFAS pollution!

References:

Berthold, T. A., McCrary, A., deVilleneuve, S., & Schramm, M. (2023, November 16). Let’s talk about pfas: Inconsistent public awareness about pfas and its sources in the United States. PloS one. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10653490/

Brown, S. (2024, September 3). Connections: Facts versus fear mongering. BioCycle. https://www.biocycle.net/connections-facts-versus-fear-mongering/

Lerner, S. (2024, May 20). How 3M execs convinced a scientist the forever chemicals she found in human blood were safe. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/3m-forever-chemicals-pfas-pfos-inside-story

Tabuchi, H. (2024a, August 31). Something’s poisoning America’s land. Farmers Fear “Forever Chemicals.” The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/31/climate/pfas-fertilizer-sludge-farm.html

Tabuchi, H. (2024b, October 7). How can I get “forever chemicals” out of my life? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/climate/how-to-reduce-pfas-forever-chemicals.html