Researchers find evidence that exposure to potent chemicals can increase likelihood of early death: ‘I have no words for this’
“I found myself in a big, giant trial where no one gave any consent, just like mice.”
By Leslie SattlerMay 20, 2024
Filter your drinking water at point of use.
Brief overview: The findings of a groundbreaking study published in the journal Environmental Health reveal that exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” increases the risk of early death from cardiovascular disease. The study connects exposure to PFAS to increased mortality by analyzing decades of death records from the Veneto region in northern Italy, where residents unknowingly drank water contaminated by a nearby PFAS production plant between 1985 and 2018. The analysis showed about 4,000 excess deaths during that period, nearly one every three days, among those who consumed the tainted water compared to their neighbors who did not.
PFAS are a class of over 15,000 chemicals used in various industries to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat. These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, decreased immunity, and liver problems. They cause persistently high and dangerous cholesterol levels that are hard to reduce through diet and lifestyle changes alone, disrupt hormones, and promote artery-clogging plaque buildup.
The growing awareness of the risks has led to a demand for safer alternatives and stricter regulations on PFAS use. In 2022, the EPA issued health advisories for PFAS in drinking water and began the process of establishing legally enforceable limits. Some U.S. states, like Maine and Washington, have enacted bans on PFAS in products such as food packaging and firefighting foam. Companies are increasingly phasing out PFAS and labeling products as “PFAS-free.”
To reduce exposure to PFAS, individuals can avoid non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and certain takeout containers. They should also check beauty product labels and skip those with “fluoro” or “perfluoro” ingredients, and choose a water filter that’s certified to remove PFAS. Together, by being informed, supporting stronger safeguards, and making PFAS-free choices when possible, we can turn the tide on “forever chemicals” and create a healthier future.The findings of a groundbreaking study published in the journal Environmental Health reveal that exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” increases the risk of early death from cardiovascular disease. The study connects exposure to PFAS to increased mortality by analyzing decades of death records from the Veneto region in northern Italy, where residents unknowingly drank water contaminated by a nearby PFAS production plant between 1985 and 2018. The analysis showed about 4,000 excess deaths during that period, nearly one every three days, among those who consumed the tainted water compared to their neighbors who did not.
PFAS are a class of over 15,000 chemicals used in various industries to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat. These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, decreased immunity, and liver problems. They cause persistently high and dangerous cholesterol levels that are hard to reduce through diet and lifestyle changes alone, disrupt hormones, and promote artery-clogging plaque buildup.
The growing awareness of the risks has led to a demand for safer alternatives and stricter regulations on PFAS use. In 2022, the EPA issued health advisories for PFAS in drinking water and began the process of establishing legally enforceable limits. Some U.S. states, like Maine and Washington, have enacted bans on PFAS in products such as food packaging and firefighting foam. Companies are increasingly phasing out PFAS and labeling products as “PFAS-free.”
To reduce exposure to PFAS, individuals can avoid non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and certain takeout containers. They should also check beauty product labels and skip those with “fluoro” or “perfluoro” ingredients, and choose a water filter that’s certified to remove PFAS. Together, by being informed, supporting stronger safeguards, and making PFAS-free choices when possible, we can turn the tide on “forever chemicals” and create a healthier future.The findings of a groundbreaking study published in the journal Environmental Health reveal that exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” increases the risk of early death from cardiovascular disease. The study connects exposure to PFAS to increased mortality by analyzing decades of death records from the Veneto region in northern Italy, where residents unknowingly drank water contaminated by a nearby PFAS production plant between 1985 and 2018. The analysis showed about 4,000 excess deaths during that period, nearly one every three days, among those who consumed the tainted water compared to their neighbors who did not.
PFAS are a class of over 15,000 chemicals used in various industries to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat. These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, decreased immunity, and liver problems. They cause persistently high and dangerous cholesterol levels that are hard to reduce through diet and lifestyle changes alone, disrupt hormones, and promote artery-clogging plaque buildup.
The growing awareness of the risks has led to a demand for safer alternatives and stricter regulations on PFAS use. In 2022, the EPA issued health advisories for PFAS in drinking water and began the process of establishing legally enforceable limits. Some U.S. states, like Maine and Washington, have enacted bans on PFAS in products such as food packaging and firefighting foam. Companies are increasingly phasing out PFAS and labeling products as “PFAS-free.”
To reduce exposure to PFAS, individuals can avoid non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and certain takeout containers. They should also check beauty product labels and skip those with “fluoro” or “perfluoro” ingredients, and choose a water filter that’s certified to remove PFAS. Together, by being informed, supporting stronger safeguards, and making PFAS-free choices when possible, we can turn the tide on “forever chemicals” and create a healthier future.The findings of a groundbreaking study published in the journal Environmental Health reveal that exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” increases the risk of early death from cardiovascular disease. The study connects exposure to PFAS to increased mortality by analyzing decades of death records from the Veneto region in northern Italy, where residents unknowingly drank water contaminated by a nearby PFAS production plant between 1985 and 2018. The analysis showed about 4,000 excess deaths during that period, nearly one every three days, among those who consumed the tainted water compared to their neighbors who did not.
PFAS are a class of over 15,000 chemicals used in various industries to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat. These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, decreased immunity, and liver problems. They cause persistently high and dangerous cholesterol levels that are hard to reduce through diet and lifestyle changes alone, disrupt hormones, and promote artery-clogging plaque buildup.
The growing awareness of the risks has led to a demand for safer alternatives and stricter regulations on PFAS use. In 2022, the EPA issued health advisories for PFAS in drinking water and began the process of establishing legally enforceable limits. Some U.S. states, like Maine and Washington, have enacted bans on PFAS in products such as food packaging and firefighting foam. Companies are increasingly phasing out PFAS and labeling products as “PFAS-free.”
To reduce exposure to PFAS, individuals can avoid non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and certain takeout containers. They should also check beauty product labels and skip those with “fluoro” or “perfluoro” ingredients, and choose a water filter that’s certified to remove PFAS. Together, by being informed, supporting stronger safeguards, and making PFAS-free choices when possible, we can turn the tide on “forever chemicals” and create a healthier future.
Safer Drinking Water 
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