Unveiling the Mystery of PFAS: A New Path to Environmental Wellness
Written by Dr. Suzanne Tang
April 2nd, 2024
In honor of Earth Day on April 22nd, we are diving into a topic that's buzzing in the environmental health sphere – PFAS, the notorious "forever chemicals." Our lab partner, Quest has introduced an innovative blood test panel that sheds light on your exposure levels to these persistent substances. Let's unravel the mystery together!
Understanding PFAS: What on Earth are "Forever Chemicals"?
Per- and Polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) might sound like a tongue-twister, but these man-made chemicals have been a part of our lives since the 1940s. Found in everyday items like takeout containers and packaging, nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, cosmetics, personal care, household products, stain-resistant fabrics, and even artificial turf, PFAS earned the nickname "forever chemicals" because they stick around – in both the environment and our bodies.
Health Implications: Connecting the Dots: PFAS and Health Conditions
According to the Environmental Working Group, “More than 200 million Americans could have PFAS in their tap water. Americans have been drinking contaminated water for decades.” PFAS are also found in our landfills, wastewater, and food supply, particularly processed meats, seafood, and food packaged in containers and wrapping, such as in pizza boxes, french fry containers, fast food, and microwaveable popcorn.
Scientific evidence suggests a link between high PFAS exposure and certain health conditions, such as obesity, cancer, liver and thyroid problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormone imbalance, inflammatory bowel disease, high cholesterol, infertility, reproductive harm, birth defects, and delayed fetal growth. It's crucial to be aware of the impact these chemicals can have on our well-being.
The Quest Blood Test Panel: Empower Yourself with Knowledge
Enter the revolutionary Quest blood test panel! This tool measures the levels of nine PFAS chemicals associated with potential health risks.
While the results aren't diagnostic, they provide valuable insights for discussions with your healthcare provider. The aim is to assess potential risks and guide you toward informed choices for a healthier lifestyle.
Why Get Tested? Take Charge of Your Well-Being
Most of us encounter PFAS in our modern lifestyles, but understanding your exposure levels empowers you to make informed decisions. Testing offers you a chance to be proactive about your health and help you uncover the root causes of your health conditions to discuss detoxification and your customized wellness plan with Dr. Tang and her team.
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of exposure to PFAS:
Avoid water and stain-repellent carpeting and household textiles, such as curtains, furniture upholstery, bedding, tablecloths, and napkins. Organic fabrics, bedding, and furniture are great non-toxic options.
Limit use and purchase of “waterproof,” “water-resistant,” and “stain-resistant” clothing and other products, and “anti-fog” eyeglass sprays and wipes.
Avoid food packaged in greaseproof bags or containers. As an alternative, use your own glass containers for takeout and leftovers. Encourage restaurants to ditch food containers and packaging containing PFAS. Skip microwave popcorn from PFAS-treated bags.
Be aware that not all compostable packaging is PFAS-free: choose BPI-certified packaging to be sure, and ask about it at restaurants that use compostable containers.
Cook with stainless steel, cast iron, glass, or ceramic cookware instead of non-stick options.
Read personal care products and cosmetic labeling carefully and avoid those with “perfluor-,” “polyfluor-,” “PTFE,” or Teflon on the label. Look for the PFAS-free label. The Environmental Working Group is an excellent resource to help you find non-toxic products that are healthier for you, your family, and the environment.
Find out if your water source has been tested for PFAS. If it contains PFAS, or if it hasn’t been tested, a water filter might be a good purchase. However, be aware that not all water filters are equally effective; a 2020 Duke University study found that reverse osmosis filters and two-stage filters performed best at eliminating PFAS.
If you drink bottled water, try to purchase water labeled “purified,” rather than spring water.
Closing Thoughts: A Step Towards Environmental Wellness 🌎
As compassionate advocates for the wellness of the mind, body, spirit, and our Earth, we believe in the power of knowledge to drive positive change. Consider exploring the Quest PFAS test as a step towards understanding and addressing environmental influences on your health. Remember, your well-being is a journey, and every informed choice brings you closer to a more balanced, healthier, and harmonious life.
To learn more about the Quest PFAS Forever Chemicals Test Panel, visit Quest Health. Contact our office located at the Whole Body Health Team clinic at (949) 577-9171 to inquire further about testing and our comprehensive detox wellness programs.
Happy Earth Day!
Here's to Inspiring Natural Wellness,
Dr. Tang and the INW Team ✨
