Do You Know What The Forever Chemical Is?

There's a good chance you've heard of the dangers of chemicals like lead and mercury. But what about PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products, from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing to firefighting foam. They're also known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment or the human body.

PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and immune system dysfunction. They've also been found to contaminate drinking water sources across the country.

So what can we do about PFAS?

One important step is to raise awareness of the dangers of these chemicals. The more people who know about PFAS, the more likely we are to take action to protect ourselves and our families.

You can also take steps to reduce your exposure to PFAS. Some simple things you can do include:

• Using stainless steel or glass cookware instead of nonstick cookware
• Avoiding waterproof clothing and other products that contain PFAS
• Filtering your drinking water with a reverse osmosis system

We can't eliminate PFAS from our lives overnight, but we can take steps to reduce our exposure and protect our health. By working together, we can make a difference.

Here's a personal story about PFAS:

I live in a small town in the Midwest. A few years ago, I learned that our drinking water was contaminated with PFAS. I was shocked and scared. I didn't know what these chemicals were or how they could affect my health.

I started doing some research and learned that PFAS are linked to a range of health problems. I was especially concerned about the potential effects on my children.

I contacted my local health department and learned that there was nothing they could do to remove the PFAS from our water. I was frustrated and scared. I didn't know what to do.

I finally decided to install a reverse osmosis system in my home. It was a big expense, but it was worth it to know that my family was drinking clean water.

I'm still concerned about PFAS. I know that they're a serious threat to our health. But I'm also hopeful. I know that we can work together to reduce our exposure to these chemicals and protect our families.

Call to action:

If you're concerned about PFAS, I encourage you to learn more about them and take steps to reduce your exposure. You can visit the EPA's website for more information. You can also contact your local health department to see if your water is contaminated with PFAS.

Together, we can make a difference.